‘Everything blew up’: A baseball stadium becomes a refuge in Venezuela
Baseball Stadium Transformed into Emergency Shelter
Everything blew up – Once a hub for baseball training, the stadium now shelters families displaced by the recent quakes. In Playa Grande, on Venezuela’s central coast, the structure has become a haven for those whose homes were destroyed or who fear returning to them after the deadly tremors on June 24.
Quake Devastation and National Mourning
Venezuela’s government has declared seven days of national mourning following the disaster. Over 2,295 fatalities and 11,256 injuries have been reported, with approximately 6,400 survivors rescued so far.
Displacement and Relief Efforts
More than 14 temporary camps have been established in La Guaira alone, as hospitals struggle with overwhelmed resources and rescue teams persist in their search. The UN has allocated $15 million from its emergency fund and activated the Venezuela Humanitarian Fund, with the U.S. adding $100 million for immediate response.
Personal Accounts of Survival
“We grabbed the children, put them in the middle and held on to each other,” Ms. Jaramillo recounted. “We watched the pieces coming down, the walls. The most important thing was protecting the children.”
Daniela Jaramillo and her family arrived at the stadium after two nights outdoors. Her husband, father, five children, and the family dog—pregnant and later giving birth—were among those seeking refuge. The quake struck as they discussed in their home’s hallway, forcing them to flee just moments before the walls collapsed.
“Everything blew up,” her father remembered.
After escaping to a more stable building, the family was soon caught in a second wave of destruction as gas canisters exploded. They climbed a wall to reach open ground, marking the beginning of their journey to the stadium.
International Response and Funding
At least 51 global search and rescue teams from 28 nations remain active in the hardest-hit zones, including 2,276 experts and 165 trained dogs. The UN and its partners are consolidating health, food, water, and psychosocial services at three key sites: Polideportivo Vargas, César Nieves Stadium, and Playa Grande.
Challenges at the Transitional Camp
Conditions at the camp are tough. Temperatures rise from 24ºC to nearly 29ºC, and recent rain has drenched tents, bedding, and personal items. “We’d rigged something up with sheets, but a huge bucket of water just came down,” Ms. Jaramillo said. “The children got soaked, our things got soaked. Most people lost their belongings all over again.”
Hope Amidst the Ruins
Despite the hardships, a small miracle has emerged: the family’s dog, saved from the damaged home by Ms. Jaramillo’s father, gave birth to five puppies just two days into their stay. A Brazilian volunteer veterinarian confirmed the mother and newborns were healthy.
As night falls, families prepare for another sleep beneath canvas. “There are still people missing,” Ms. Jaramillo said, focusing on the uncertainty ahead rather than the temporary stability they’ve found.