Venezuela fills with camps after earthquakes; uncertainty reigns over living on the street

Caracas's landscape has transformed as plazas, boulevards, and park spaces have become makeshift camps for families displaced by a double earthquake on June 24. Official figures report at least 1,430 deaths and over 3,000 injuries.

Citizens are seeking refuge in open spaces, feeling they are safer due to aftershocks. Most are waiting for property evaluations before deciding whether to return to their damaged homes. However, the scale of the tragedy has overwhelmed capacities, with current efforts focused on rescuing survivors from the rubble.

Javier Toncel, 64, described his experience as "horrible." After his apartment building in Los Palos Grandes suffered structural damage, he and his family, along with their dog, have been sleeping in Plaza Francia de Altamira. "Welcome to my house," he said, sitting on a patch of artificial grass.

Toncel recounted witnessing the collapse of the Petunia I building, which reportedly killed at least 35 people. "I managed to get the truck out because the building actually fractured. We are waiting to see what the mayor, the government says. What will become of our lives?" he questioned, his voice filled with uncertainty. He has been sleeping in the plaza for three days, waking early to secure his belongings and then assisting neighbors.

Recalling the 1999 Vargas landslide, Toncel compared the current disaster's impact, stating, "These blows are not easy." He expressed gratitude that his family is safe, but the uncertainty of their future weighs heavily. "We have to sleep here in the plaza, then go to the car, but we don't know what will happen. It's like starting over. At that time (in 1999), we were literally naked. When I see all that has happened, I said: 'Again.'" He acknowledged the community's support with food and water but admitted even eating is difficult, as his thoughts are consumed by the disaster.