Full Breakdown
Looting and Crime Surge in Venezuela’s La Guaira After June 24 Earthquakes
6/29/2026, 1:19:36 PM
Immediate Outbreak of Looting in La Guaira
The twin earthquakes on June 24 devastated La Guaira, a state 30 km from Caracas, turning much of the city into rubble. Within minutes, residents reported looting of supermarkets, a Farmatodo pharmacy and shops. Videos show groups moving boxes of appliances onto car roofs and motorcycles, and siphoning fuel or posing as firefighters.
Historical Context and Chronic Crisis
La Guaira suffered a massive landslide in 1999 that killed over 10,000 people. Since then the region has endured chronic economic hardship, food shortages and weakened public services, conditions that heighten vulnerability to opportunistic crime during emergencies.
Key Figures and Groups
Shop owner Maria Esther Bernal (71) and landlord Zulay de Carvajal (72) described extensive losses. Zulay’s son Gregory (37) witnessed looting while removing bodies. Provea’s former coordinator Marino Alvarado commented on police and military involvement. Farmatodo and local volunteers helped clean up.
Casualties, Missing Persons, and Economic Losses
Official tallies confirm at least 1,450 deaths and tens of thousands missing after the June 24 quakes. Looting stripped residents of clothing, shoes, utensils, pots, cups and glasses, worsening material deprivation.
Government Measures and Official Response
The government militarized La Guaira and required a safe-conduct pass from the Caracas military for entry. Authorities pledged to expand rescue operations, but no statements on looting investigations have been released.
Criticism, Allegations of Abuse, and Civil Society Reaction
Human-rights observers allege police and military personnel have taken belongings and abused civilians. Marino Alvarado noted a pattern of crime, police abuse and official participation that mirrors the 1999 landslide aftermath. Residents demand better security, food, water and medical aid.
Eyewitness Accounts from Residents
Maria Esther Bernal, a 71-year-old shop owner, questioned the fairness of people turning on each other. Zulay de Carvajal said her home had been emptied of possessions. Gregory Carvajal reported looting began while his team removed bodies. A video shows a man forcing a soldier and another official out of his home after finding them scavenging.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
Allegations that police or military officials participated in looting remain unverified, and casualty figures have not been independently corroborated. The scale of stolen goods and the number of perpetrators are not quantified in official reports.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Is it fair that our people are devouring each other?” — Maria Esther Bernal, 71, shop owner
- “There’s nothing here,” — Zulay de Carvajal, 72
- “We were removing bodies, and at that moment, they were looting.” — Gregory Carvajal, 37
- “Crime; two, police abuse, which is now beginning to be denounced; and three, police or military officials also participating in the looting.” — Marino Alvarado, former Provea coordinator
What's Next
Farmatodo has reopened its cleaned premises and now hosts a primary-care clinic run by community volunteers. Authorities maintain the safe-conduct pass system while humanitarian groups press for aid, stronger security and transparent probes into alleged police and military involvement.
