Wednesday, June 24, 2026, will be marked in our history as the day when nature reminded us, with all its strength, of the fragility of our structures and the urgent need for a real culture of prevention. An unusual and devastating "double seismic event" shook the national territory, leaving thousands of families in uncertainty and demanding an exemplary, organized, and selfless citizen response.
In moments like this, the desire to help is immense. However, as a rescuer, I know that solidarity without discipline becomes an additional danger. If we go out into the streets without resources, without coordination, or just driven by the impulse to be seen, we end up becoming a logistical burden or, worse yet, new victims.
That is why, from the Fénix Valera Rescue Group, I make available to the entire country this Citizen Action Guide for Disasters, designed for each person to take on an efficient role according to their real capabilities.
Disaster Context: What happened on June 24?
1. The Technical Causes and the Technological Milestone
At 6:04 PM local time, the country's fault system (specifically the Boconó Fault) was violently activated. It was not a single earthquake with common aftershocks, but a double seismic event: two massive earthquakes with only 39 seconds apart. The first, a precursor event of magnitude 7.2, was almost immediately followed by the main earthquake of magnitude 7.5, both at very shallow depths, which multiplied the destructive shock waves throughout the central-northern and western regions of the country.
📱 Technological Success: In the face of the "State-Induced" ineffectiveness of official agencies and the national system, the first early warning reached us directly at 18:04 through the Google Earthquake Alerts System to our cell phones, allowing valuable seconds of reaction for thousands of citizens. Minutes later, this event was verified and processed in greater technical detail by the United States alert system (USGS), confirming the magnitude of the catastrophe.
2. Immediate Consequences
Infrastructure Collapse: Severe damage and partial or total collapses of residential and commercial buildings in Caracas, the central coast (with critical situations reported in areas of La Guaira) and the central-western axis.
Human Impact: Hundreds of fatalities, thousands of injuries, and numerous affected families trapped among the rubble or sleeping in open spaces for fear of aftershocks are reported.
Service Collapse: Massive interruption of electrical power, leaks in gas and water pipes, and the temporary blocking of telephone and internet networks. Additionally, tsunami preventive alerts were activated on the coasts and interruptions in air transport.
3. Outline of the Current Situation
We are facing a national emergency in full development. National and international rescue teams are trying to organize for search and rescue efforts. The current major challenge is the shortage of specialized logistical resources and, unfortunately, the risk that humanitarian aid and donations may be politicized or diverted by institutions and individuals seeking to capitalize on the tragedy. In light of this situation, self-management and transparent community organization are our best defense.
PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR CITIZEN ACTION
This guide divides actions into three key levels. Identify which one is yours and act strictly under those parameters.
LEVEL 1: GENERAL PUBLIC (Self-protection and Survival)
The main objective is not to become a victim.
In the Event of Earthquakes (And aftershocks):
During: Get down, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on. If there is no sturdy furniture, position yourself in a fetal position next to a solid structure (seeking the Triangle of Life).
After: Immediately disconnect gas, electricity, and water services. Evacuate to open areas using the stairs at all times; never use elevators.
Communication: Do not saturate phone lines with calls. Use only SMS or WhatsApp to inform your family that you are safe.
In the Event of Fires: If there is dense smoke, crawl (the air is cleaner close to the ground). Cover your mouth with a damp cloth. If your clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop to the ground, and Roll. Never go back for material objects.
In Case of Floods or Landslides: Evacuate to the highest and most stable points in the area. Stay away from riverbeds or streams. NEVER attempt to cross moving water on foot or by vehicle; the hydraulic force is deceptive. Stay away from fallen poles or wires in flooded areas.
LEVEL 2: FIRST RESPONDERS (Neighbors and Community Logistical Support)
Your role is not to enter the debris, but to organize the environment to facilitate technical work.
Assess your area: Organize with your neighbors and make a quick record of your building or block. Identify who is missing, who is injured, and which health professionals (doctors, nurses) live nearby.
Stop the rumors: Panic causes as many deaths as the earthquake itself. Do not forward audios or WhatsApp chains that do not come from verified technical sources.
Transparent Collection Centers: Organize the collection of drinking water, non-perishable food, and blankets at a purely neighborhood level. Manage resources directly and visibly. Deliver donations directly to the affected or through community networks and trusted churches to avoid political diversion.
LEVEL 3: EXPERT VOLUNTEERS WITHOUT OWN RESOURCES
If you are a professional rescuer but, like our group, do not currently have the logistics, transportation, or heavy equipment to operate independently, your knowledge remains valuable if you maintain discipline.
Report to the Unified Command: Go to the command post of the agencies that do have operational equipment (Firefighters or Civil Protection). Register as qualified personnel awaiting assignment. Do not act on your own.
Technical Scene Intelligence: Use your keen eye to assess structures from the outside. Filter useful information and report it to command: "Building X shows pancake collapse, survivors can be heard, cutting equipment is required". Become the eyes of the heavy teams.
Mandatory Self-Sustenance: If you deploy in an impact zone, you must enter with your own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE: helmet, boots, gloves) and your supply of water and food for at least 24 hours. A rescuer who asks for water or food in the disaster area interrupts the operation and becomes a burden.
Conclusion: Resilience is in order
True bravery in a disaster is not shown by running towards danger in a disorderly manner to appear in a social media photo. True resilience is demonstrated by staying calm, protecting your family, organizing your neighbor, and making way for those with the technical resources to operate.
From the Fénix Valera Rescue and Hiking Group, we remain steadfast in our mission to educate to save lives.
STAY INFORMED AND PREPARED
Prevention is a daily and constant task. To receive more technical survival guides, community triage protocols, and updates on risk management in our country, I invite you to formally subscribe on our website:
Register with your email and let's build together the network of prepared citizens that Venezuela needs. Let's take care of each other.
Dr. José Javier Leal Rivero
Founder of the Fénix Valera Rescue and Hiking Group