local
Venezuelans are rushing to identify the bodies of their loved ones as earthquake deaths multiply
By Regina Garcia Cano And Dánica Coto, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 3, 2026
· 4 min read
Speaking in a hushed voice, Rosa López recalled how she had to sidestep the rows of bodies lying under a harsh sun as she helped her daughter search for her missing husband. Even her years working as a nurse did not prepare her for the sight of the dozens of dead wrapped in sheets or blankets.“We...
Key takeaway José Antonio Toledo, López's 25-year-old son-in-law, was found under the building where he was working as a security guard when the quakes struck.
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 in our own community. San Antonio , being a major city in a region prone to natural disasters, can learn from the challenges faced by Venezuelan authorities in identifying and managing the deceased. The city's own emergency management plans should be reviewed to ensure that they are equipped to handle a large-scale disaster, including having adequate facilities and resources for identifying and preserving bodies. Furthermore, the story highlights the importance of community support and resources, such as the mayor's office offering free cemetery space, in helping families cope with the aftermath of a disaster. As San Antonio continues to grow and develop, it is crucial that our city prioritizes disaster preparedness and response, including having plans in place for managing the deceased and supporting affected families.
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: local ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Speaking in a hushed voice, Rosa López recalled how she had to sidestep the rows of bodies lying under a harsh sun as she helped her daughter search for her missing husband. Even her years working as a nurse did not prepare her for the sight of the dozens of dead wrapped in sheets or blankets.“We...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Regina Garcia Cano And Dánica Coto, 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 local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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