safety
As quake rescue effort winds down, Venezuelans are left alone to recover their dead
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 6, 2026
· 6 min read
When the high-rise where Noel Mrquez lived with his family crashed to the ground and burst into flames in Venezuela's twin earthquakes, Mrquez, who happened to be at his girlfriends apartment, raced home and called out for his mother, grandparents and siblings. Only his 17-year-old brother, his l...
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 Waco
The devastating story of Noel Mrquez and countless others in Venezuela serves as a stark reminder of the importance of effective disaster response and recovery efforts. In Waco , our community has faced its own share of disasters, from tornadoes to floods, and we know firsthand the importance of a swift and coordinated response. The fact that Venezuelans are being left to recover their dead with little more than their bare hands is a heartbreaking testament to the failures of their government's response. As our own city's emergency management teams work to prepare for and respond to disasters, the situation in Venezuela highlights the need for adequate resources and support for those affected by tragedy. In Waco, we must continue to prioritize investments in our emergency response infrastructure and ensure that our community is equipped to respond to disasters with the urgency and compassion that they demand.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco 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 KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? When the high-rise where Noel Mrquez lived with his family crashed to the ground and burst into flames in Venezuela's twin earthquakes, Mrquez, who happened to be at his girlfriends apartment, raced home and called out for his mother, grandparents and siblings. Only his 17-year-old brother, his l...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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