The brave people of Venezuela

June 24, 2026, began like any other holiday. But as the afternoon began to fade, the ground beneath us shattered. It wasn’t just a tremor. It was something our lands hadn’t witnessed in over half a century. In less than a minute, two massive earthquakes—7.2 and 7.5 magnitude—shook the very foundations of our lives. More than 900 buildings were severely damaged, and 200 of them collapsed entirely In various parts of the country, trapping families inside before they even had a chance to escape When the dust finally settled and we opened our eyes, the desperate search began. We called out names, reaching for our phones, praying for a voice on the other end. Watching the news as connectivity slowly returned, a heartbreaking certainty settled into our hearts: our country would never be the same again. We had lost almost an entire state... a beautiful and beloved region, where the sea proudly kisses every shore. Yet, in our darkest hour, the true spirit of the Venezuelan people emerged...a radiant, unstoppable force. From the very first moment, differences vanished. It didn't matter if it was your family or a stranger’s; men and women threw themselves into the debris. Now, a week and a half after the tragedy, the rescuers and the people refuse to move. They remain there, digging, searching with an unwavering hope along with the amazing rescue teams from other countries who have lent us a hand. Against all odds, we are still finding people alive. Every single rescue is celebrated with immense love and tears, whether it is a human life or a beloved pet. Every soul matters. And we will continue to see each other, remembering those who have passed away in the smiles of those who struggle to survive today, in the desire to be reborn, to be better, to live. This art is not a lament; it is a monument to our strength. We are broken, yes, but we are standing. Out of the rubble, our light will always break through.