A series of powerful earthquakes in northern Venezuela has resulted in a significant loss of life, with preliminary reports from the Operative Information Center-OMM indicating that approximately 1,700 people have perished in the disaster.
Among the victims are the family members of Argentine footballer Lucas Trejo. At the time of the incident, Trejo was attending a training session for his team, Club Sport Maritimo, while his family was at their home in Caracas. In an official statement posted on its Instagram account, the club expressed deep condolences to the player and mourned the tragic loss of his family. Reports indicate that Trejo spent three days participating in search and rescue efforts, attempting to locate his loved ones beneath the rubble.
The sporting community has been deeply affected by the catastrophe. Former footballer Héctor Bello also suffered a personal tragedy, losing his wife, Andrea. According to reports, Andrea lost her life while attempting to protect their infant daughter, who was rescued alive. Bello stated on social media that he intends to tell his daughter about her mother's heroic sacrifice.
The Venezuelan Football Federation has also issued a statement regarding the tragedy, confirming the death of 18-year-old footballer Yimvert Berroterán, who was recognized for his promising contributions to the sport. Several youth players from football academies in Caracas are also among the earthquake victims. Meanwhile, Major League Baseball player Miguel Rojas, who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers, noted the collapse of two buildings in the affected area, describing his own family's survival as fortunate.
Venezuela is located in a seismically active region, frequently experiencing tectonic activity due to its proximity to the boundary between the Caribbean and South American plates. The country has a history of significant seismic events, necessitating robust emergency response protocols. Currently, search and rescue operations remain ongoing in the affected areas, as authorities work to determine the final toll and locate missing individuals.
