The devastating aftermath of Venezuela's powerful earthquakes has taken a shocking turn, with over 100 Venezuelans who had been deported from the US feared missing after the hotel where they were staying collapsed. The harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder that even in the midst of international migration, vulnerable individuals can be exposed to unforeseen dangers.
The flight from Miami, which carried 146 deportees – including 19 women and seven children – landed in Venezuela mere hours before the disaster struck, making rescue efforts a challenging task. The Hotel Santuario La Llanada in La Guaira, one of the regions hardest hit by the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes, became a makeshift shelter for the deportees.
Lisbeth Portillo, 58, recounted her escape from the collapsed hotel alongside approximately 20 others. She described walking several kilometres through the streets amidst scenes of chaos, crying out for help as people ran unclothed or barefoot from the rubble. Portillo eventually made it to a national guard building, where she was able to contact relatives, saying, "I was born again; God gave me a second chance." The Venezuelan government has reported over 1,700 fatalities across the country.
Relative Jenny Rodriguez, 24, also shared her harrowing experience of being trapped under the rubble before being rescued by a fellow passenger from the deportation flight. As family members of other deportees struggle to locate their loved ones, authorities are failing to provide clear answers – leaving relatives like Liliana Rojas in limbo as she searches for her missing 33-year-old partner.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has yet to respond to requests for information regarding the incident. Deportation flights to Venezuela had resumed only in February, after a 13-month suspension, with ICE Flight Monitor tracking 12 such flights in May alone – operating three times a week.
For British travellers and businesses, this incident underscores the importance of being aware of global events and their potential human cost. While not directly affecting UK citizens, it highlights the interconnected nature of international migration and natural disasters, underscoring the need for vigilance and preparedness in an increasingly complex world.