safety
As quake rescue effort winds down, Venezuelans are left alone to recover their dead
By Fernanda Pesce And Isabel Debre, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 6, 2026
· 6 min read
When the high-rise where Noel Márquez lived with his family crashed to the ground and burst into flames in Venezuela's twin earthquakes, Márquez, who happened to be at his girlfriend’s apartment, raced home and called out for his mother, grandparents and siblings. Only his 17-year-old brother, hi...
Key takeaway Only his 17-year-old brother, his legs pinned under columns that required heavy machinery to lift, responded.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela serve as a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and response, a concern that resonates deeply in San Antonio , a city prone to its own natural disasters. As Venezuelans struggle to recover the remains of their loved ones, San Antonio residents may reflect on the city's own emergency response systems and the potential consequences of being underprepared. The fact that international rescue teams are departing and local authorities are shifting focus to shelter for the displaced highlights the need for communities to be self-sufficient in the face of disaster. In San Antonio, this means ensuring that residents have access to resources and support in the event of an emergency, and that the city's infrastructure is equipped to handle the aftermath of a disaster. By examining the challenges faced by Venezuelans, San Antonio can learn valuable lessons about the importance of community resilience and preparedness.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? When the high-rise where Noel Márquez lived with his family crashed to the ground and burst into flames in Venezuela's twin earthquakes, Márquez, who happened to be at his girlfriend’s apartment, raced home and called out for his mother, grandparents and siblings. Only his 17-year-old brother, hi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fernanda Pesce And Isabel Debre, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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