Senamecf details technical complexities in identifying La Guaira earthquake victims

Venezuela's National Service of Forensic Medicine and Sciences (Senamecf) has implemented specialized legal identification mechanisms to process the bodies of victims from the earthquakes that struck La Guaira state on June 24. The institution's deputy director, Sinuhé Villalobos, announced the establishment of a photographic database designed to expedite claims from citizens.

The state morgue aims to mitigate psychological impact and enhance the accuracy of forensic diagnoses during this emergency. Pathologists and technicians are following a strict sequential order to attend to families arriving at the facilities. "We have a special area where the person who hasn't found their relative is shown the photo; it's not pleasant, but there is no other way. A number is assigned to the body upon arrival; using this number, we locate the body and perform anthropological and, if necessary, dental work," Villalobos explained to the state channel Venezolana de Televisión (VTV).

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We have a special area where the person who hasn't found their relative is shown the photo; it's not pleasant, but there is no other way. A number is assigned to the body upon arrival; using this number, we locate the body and perform anthropological and, if necessary, dental work.

When physical deterioration prevents facial recognition, forensic dentistry experts conduct more in-depth analyses. These specialists interview relatives and examine past medical histories to verify unique characteristics. The accumulation of bodies necessitated emergency burials at the La Esperanza cemetery in Carayaca parish. In response to unofficial reports of collective or mass burials in common graves, Senamecf officials have clarified that "each body is in a numbered bag and within an urn, ensuring that the burial is individual," Villalobos stated.

Furthermore, the agency's administration has clarified that its contingency plan provides operational facilities for families wishing to transfer remains to other cemeteries. Senamecf's legal departments are also updating civil registry books and issuing death certificates immediately after scientists confirm each deceased person's identity.

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each body is in a numbered bag and within an urn, ensuring that the burial is individual.