The natural processes of Mother Earth are not tragedies in themselves. Earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes, or tsunamis fulfill essential geological and atmospheric cycles. However, the destructive impact of earthquakes in Venezuela is severely worsened by direct human intervention. Excessive population living in high-risk areas creates extreme vulnerability. Furthermore, building indiscriminately interrupts the natural expansion of our planet. Consequently, altering these hydrological patterns turns a natural force into a catastrophe. Therefore, we must admit that the real disaster is human, not strictly natural.
For the Indigenous peoples of this territory, this ecological reality is very clear. Thus, their life dynamics revolve harmoniously around the cosmos. Additionally, they carefully plan their settlements while respecting Mother Earth’s processes. They deeply understand the vital cycles of the natural environment. In stark contrast, modern society completely lacks this awareness. Simply put, current civilization is not interested in integrating into the organic order. This lack of environmental empathy exposes us unnecessarily to constant dangers.
Unfortunately, humans remain entangled in purely ideological matters. For instance, we prioritize political and religious debates while ignoring nature. Consequently, we live disconnected from the existential organic reality surrounding us. We must understand that our Pacha constantly configures its own evolutionary process. She reorganizes herself into other states to maintain her vital balance. The exuberant evolution of the planet has occurred for millions of years. Ultimately, this natural dynamic determines our own existence. Therefore, properly preparing for future earthquakes in Venezuela requires respecting these geological cycles.
The historical impact of earthquakes in Venezuela
Globally, buildings of all types and purposes are constructed in irregular zones daily. These areas usually present soil liquefaction and extremely high seismic risk. Often, these informal constructions cross highly resonant active natural faults. Unfortunately, indiscriminate building for investment unleashes human tragedies every day. One of these terrible tragedies historically occurred in La Guaira in 1812. During that powerful telluric movement, not a single building remained standing. Furthermore, the extreme resonance of that quake devastated a large part of Caracas. Definitely, ignoring natural patterns takes lives.
Over 200 years later, history repeated itself in a very regrettable way. On June 24, 2026, the earth fulfilled another geological cycle. La Guaira once again released energy, heat, and pressure accumulated since 1812. This time, the movement of tectonic plates caused two intense earthquakes in Venezuela. Once again, these natural events devastated the region and resonated in other states. Thousands of our fellow citizens tragically died while resting comfortably in their homes. Fortunately, rescue workers saved many survivors after six long days under the rubble.
Currently, all affected individuals face a painful process of family and material loss. This highly complex grief is marked by anxiety, depression, nightmares, and insomnia. Nevertheless, empathy and solidarity have been fundamental tools for healing. Business owners, doctors, volunteers, and international aid provided invaluable immediate support. Likewise, the State provided housing solutions, economic credits, and rapid medical attention. Undoubtedly, we empathetically accompany all the victims of these recent earthquakes in Venezuela. Nothing beats social unity to overcome and survive such a massive calamity.
Reconstruction and post-tragedy awareness
Post-tragedy awareness must be evidenced by very forceful national reconstruction strategies. The entire society must actively participate in sustainable, ecological, and sensitive plans. Furthermore, developing a profound respect for our Mother Earth is mandatory. The Bolivarian Constitution recognizes our Indigenous peoples and their invaluable heritage. We inherit that ancestry and must urgently listen to their ancient wisdom. In fact, we need to establish an Indigenous Council of Elders in the National Assembly. Their genuine spokespersons will guide contemporary society to prevent new human disasters. Thus, we will mitigate future earthquakes in Venezuela.
Our Mother Earth has spoken clearly in La Guaira and Caracas since 1812. Recently, 190 complex buildings collapsed catastrophically as if they were sandcastles. To learn the lesson, we must stop the aggressive real estate industry of indiscriminate construction. We also urgently need to stop the constant violation of urban planning in housing developments. Likewise, we cannot prioritize capital investments in tourist corridors while ignoring the peripheries. These bad practices congest services, roadways, and deteriorate our valuable soil. Finally, we need to implement meaningful and constant environmental education over time.
Venezuela has extremely beautiful and comfortable architectural legacies of eco-conscious design. We must recover the bioclimatic model promoted by the great architect Raúl Villanueva. He proposed to stop importing European modernism that does not fit our geography. Additionally, we have the COVENIN regulations to build with strict safety compliance. Our territory, called “big water” by the Añú brothers, deserves total respect. Only with self-appreciation will we achieve ecological, profitable, and aesthetic greatness plans to rebuild. Preparing intelligently for earthquakes in Venezuela requires sensitivity, organization, and national awareness.
