In the wake of two devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela’s north coast on June 24, the Guedez García family from the small farming village of Poblado Uno in Portuguesa state has been grappling with the loss of their 23-year-old daughter, Alexandra Yarismar Guedez García. Alexandra, a physiotherapist who had recently moved to the coastal town of Caraballeda, was killed when her apartment building collapsed in the disaster that claimed more than 5,000 lives.

After searching for 18 days amidst the rubble, the family finally recovered Alexandra’s remains from the sitting room of her destroyed apartment. They transported her ashes from a mountainside cemetery above Caracas, where they had briefly gathered, back to their rural home. Despite harsh weather, hundreds from the local community had come out to pay their respects, recognizing both the personal and collective tragedy.

The Guedez family expressed deep gratitude for the volunteer rescue team from Poblado Uno, dubbed “The Moles of Village Number One,” who traveled to the quake zone to search for Alexandra and others. This group of 18 volunteers, including men and women without formal rescue training, worked tirelessly through difficult conditions, earning heartfelt thanks from the family. The community also provided food and support during the search.

At the family’s wake in Poblado Uno, political undercurrents were apparent. The local mayor, affiliated with the ruling socialist party, faced quiet protest from mourners critical of the government, which many Venezuelans hold responsible for the country’s ongoing economic collapse and political crisis. The Guedez family themselves voiced sharp criticism of the state’s response to the disaster. Adolfo Guedez, Alexandra’s father, accused the government of inefficiency and noted that official rescue efforts were slow or absent in the critical days following the earthquakes. Survivors reported seeing troops standing by with rifles rather than assisting, fueling resentment amid fears of unrest.

Though critical of the government’s handling of the crisis, the family distinguished between the state authorities and other Venezuelans who showed compassion and solidarity. Alexandra’s mother, Yaritza García, acknowledged the kindness encountered among volunteers and supporters and expressed her faith despite the tragedy.

The earthquakes not only destroyed lives but also highlighted the broader struggles faced by a generation born into Venezuela’s “Bolivarian” era. Alexandra had managed to complete her university education despite economic hardship and familial sacrifices, dreaming of establishing a physiotherapy practice in Caracas. Her sister Carmen, a surgeon, shared similar aspirations.

Adolfo Guedez reflected on the profound personal and national uncertainty following the loss. Having hoped that political change would follow the U.S.-led capture of Nicolás Maduro in January—a move that briefly raised expectations—the family now faces a complicated political landscape. The current administration, under former vice president Delcy Rodríguez, has gained U.S. backing, leading to a cautious political opening with freed prisoners and returning journalists. Still, Guedez emphasized a yearning for greater freedom and better governance.

Despite the grief and challenges, the family remains rooted in Venezuela, determined not to join the millions who have left amid the crisis. They expressed hope inspired by the resilience and unity shown by their community during the disaster. As Adolfo Guedez remarked, the tragedy has revealed unexpected acts of generosity and strength among the people they hold dear, even as the country navigates its ongoing hardships.