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Society · Funchal · 4 July 2026

Mortuary System Collapses in La Guaira After Earthquake

The state of La Guaira, the epicenter of a recent earthquake, is facing a collapse in its mortuary system with improvised and overwhelmed morgues.

Mortuary System Collapses in La Guaira After Earthquake

The Venezuelan state of La Guaira, hit by a double earthquake on June 24, is dealing with a humanitarian crisis that extends beyond the rubble.

Improvised and overwhelmed morgues, lacking minimal conditions, describe the disturbing scenario. The shortage of adequate refrigeration chambers for preserving recovered bodies increases health risks for authorities and volunteers.

The forensic system, already weakened, has collapsed under the weight of the tragedy. Families await in despair, while tropical heat accelerates body decomposition, hindering identification and the grieving process. The inability to ensure dignity for the deceased exacerbates the trauma of the living.

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