LA GUAIRA, Venezuela — In the aftermath of two devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela’s La Guaira state on June 24, tens of thousands of displaced residents are relying heavily on community aid and volunteer efforts amid ongoing shortages of basic necessities.

The twin tremors, which took nearly 2,000 lives and left more than 15,000 people affected, have forced many survivors onto the streets as damaged infrastructure and homes remain unsafe or uninhabitable. Authorities have designated La Guaira a “disaster zone,” prompting an influx of donations and volunteers from across the country to assist those in need.

Lines for food, water, and essential supplies grow longer each day in La Guaira, where markets have been heavily impacted by the quakes. Local residents and relatives are providing shelter to some of the displaced, but many continue to depend on external aid. "Without this I don’t know what we would do," said Nataly Cardona, 24, who narrowly escaped her apartment but currently has no place to stay indoors.

Volunteers are mobilizing private vehicles to distribute items such as water, food, soap, and toilet paper throughout the coastal city. Humanitarian groups, including the World Central Kitchen, are operating trucks that deliver meals directly to affected neighborhoods.

Survivors have expressed the difficulty of securing basic supplies amid intense demand. Raoni Izaguirre, who lost his home and now stays with a relative, described waiting over an hour in the sun to receive aid. He described the donations as critical in filling gaps left by disrupted markets.

Local residents who have maintained their homes are also contributing, often bringing food to shelters. Aysmar Lopez, a young volunteer providing home-cooked meals, conveyed her sense of responsibility amid widespread need. "I feel guilty about eating, because every time I eat I think there’s someone who has nothing to eat," she said.

Medical assistance has come from a range of sources. The “Pink Brigade,” a team of medical professionals and students from various Venezuelan regions, has deployed to La Guaira to offer care to the injured and distribute medication. Members of the group are identifiable by their pink armbands and have set up at improvised shelters such as one established on a local golf course. International medical teams from countries including Mexico, Italy, and El Salvador are also operating mobile clinics to support ongoing health needs.

As the recovery effort continues, the cooperation between local communities, national volunteers, and international aid workers remains crucial in addressing the widespread humanitarian needs in La Guaira following the earthquakes.