US deportation of over 140 Venezuelan migrants occurred just hours before devastating earthquakes struck the country on June 24, 2023. Among the deportees was Abelardo Rincón, a 23-year-old who had built a life in Georgia, leaving behind a pregnant wife and family desperate for news.
Upon arrival in Venezuela, Rincón and others were housed in a hotel near La Guaira. Shortly after their return, twin earthquakes resulted in at least 2,200 fatalities, over 10,000 injuries, and left approximately 50,000 missing, according to UN figures.
Family's Search for Deported Loved Ones
Rincón's family, along with many others, faced a harrowing wait for information. His grandfather, Jose Rincón, described searching through morgues in Caracas, where he viewed at least 200 bodies in hopes of finding his grandson. “If I could see the rubble, I’d be satisfied,” he lamented.
Another deportee, Darwin Eliecer Serrano Lopez, 35, called his cousin just before the first earthquake struck. His family is now grappling with the uncertainty of his fate, as they have searched for nearly a week without any answers.
The Impact of Natural Disasters on Migrants
The earthquakes have compounded the trauma faced by families already separated by immigration policies. Families like that of Daniel Alejandro Nunez, 28, are struggling to find their loved ones amidst the chaos. “We’ve searched for him in hospitals, in morgues – everywhere,” said his stepfather, Jose Alejandro Abache.
Many deportees were in vulnerable conditions, having just been repatriated. The Venezuelan government's limited communication has left families in distress, unable to ascertain the whereabouts of their loved ones.
Survivors' Accounts and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
Some deportees survived the hotel collapse and shared their harrowing experiences. Lisbeth Portillo, 58, recounted, “I saw the woman next to me start to fall… they were all screaming for help.” Days passed before some families learned that their relatives had survived.
Efforts to locate missing individuals continue as families remain hopeful, despite the grim circumstances. Relatives found Anderson Daniel Salcedo, 22, at a hospital, but the news was tragic; he had to undergo an amputation after the earthquakes.
- 2,200+ deaths reported from earthquakes.
- 10,000+ injuries and 50,000 missing according to UN.
- Families of deportees face uncertainty and despair.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC World. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
