Venezuelans clean La Guaira after deadly earthquakes

In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck on June 24, hundreds of Venezuelans took to the streets of La Guaira on Sunday, August 9, 2026, for a massive cleanup operation. The effort aimed to clear debris and reduce pollution along the coast in one of the hardest-hit regions.

Organized by Fundación Sonrisa de Ángel in collaboration with the Fuerza Azul project, the initiative saw 210 volunteers gather at the entrance of El Yate beach in Caraballeda. Yarlín Salazar, founder of Fundación Sonrisa de Ángel, traveled from Carabobo, over 200 kilometers away, to participate. She explained that volunteers from Valencia, Maracay, and Caracas have already completed five such cleanup days in the region.

The volunteers, equipped with gloves, protective eyewear, and masks, worked from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their primary goal was to mitigate infection risks in the contaminated environment. They organized waste into piles along main roads to assist collection trucks, though Salazar noted that blocked access sometimes complicates this. "The planet belongs to everyone," Salazar stated, explaining her motivation to travel and help.

Among the participants was Jofrer Romero, a La Guaira native who expressed hope for his state's recovery. "We are still broken but feel hope that the state can rise again," he told EFE. Yilkry Martínez, a tourism business owner, also dedicated her time to the cause, urging companies to continue donating necessary supplies. The effort highlights a community’s resilience and determination to rebuild.