Michelle lives with her mother in Altamira, one of the hardest-hit neighbourhoods of the Venezuelan capital. Their apartment building is still standing, but it no longer feels safe. Cracks run through the walls of their apartment, while on the lower floors entire walls have collapsed.
Michelle survived the earthquake in Venezuela: 'The fear was overwhelming'
In just a few seconds, everything changed for 20-year-old Michelle Ruiz. She was at home with her mother in their apartment in Caracas when the ground suddenly began to shake. Less than 40 seconds later, a second powerful tremor followed. “So many things go through your mind in that moment,” Michelle says. “The fear was overwhelming.”
1 July 2026
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During the earthquake, cupboards fell over and furniture shifted across the apartment. Michelle’s mother panicked and froze. “You try to understand what is happening, but there is no time,” Michelle says. “I knew I had to stay calm so I could help my mother.”
Together with their neighbours, Michelle and her mother managed to get out of the building. “Everyone helped each other in that moment,” she says. “That is what you do as a community.”
Too dangerous to return
Since the earthquakes, many residents have not been able to return to their homes. Volunteer engineers have been inspecting damaged buildings to assess whether they are still safe. For Michelle and her mother, the news is worrying. “They told us it is too dangerous to go back,” she says. “If there is another strong aftershock, the building could collapse.”
For many people in Venezuela, a period of deep uncertainty has begun. Some have lost their homes completely. Others do not know whether they will ever be able to return safely. Families are sleeping outside, staying in tents or seeking shelter with relatives and friends.
Urgent needs
The recent earthquakes are among the strongest to have hit Venezuela in a long time. The capital, Caracas, has been severely affected. Buildings have collapsed, power has been cut in many places and rescue teams are still searching for survivors under the rubble. The number of casualties is feared to rise.
ZOA launches emergency aid
ZOA has launched emergency support together with a partner in Venezuela. The response started last week and focuses on families who have lost their homes or cannot safely return. They urgently need shelter, food, hygiene items and other essential support.
Photo credit: Alejandra María Otero