Looting Reported in Venezuela After False Tsunami Alarm Following Earthquakes

In the aftermath of a significant double earthquake that struck Venezuela, residents of Catia La Mar in the state of La Guaira have reported widespread looting. The criminal activity reportedly occurred after unknown individuals deliberately spread a false tsunami alarm, exploiting the ensuing panic to target properties.

A video circulating on social media captured the distressing situation, with one resident detailing how groups took advantage of the fear generated by the false alarm to ransack homes. These properties, though damaged by the tremors, had otherwise withstood the earthquakes. María Esther Bernal, a resident and animal rescuer, recounted how the presence of her dog deterred looters from entering her house, a fate not shared by many of her neighbors.

The visual evidence from the Atlántida urbanization in Catia La Mar clearly shows the devastation caused by both the seismic activity and the subsequent wave of robberies. The local prosecutor's office building was completely destroyed by the earthquakes and subsequently looted. Bernal's house was the only one on her block that remained standing, yet she faces severe challenges due to the collapse of public services.

Bernal is currently relying on a generator for power, but a critical shortage of fuel has compounded her difficulties. She reported being denied gasoline at the local service station. In response, the community has organized internal support networks. Neighbors in Atlántida managed to procure several liters of fuel, enabling Bernal to power her generator. This collective action allowed families on the block to charge their mobile phones and keep refrigerators running to preserve their remaining food supplies.