On Wednesday, two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela, leading to the collapse of a hotel where over 100 deported Venezuelans were being held. The earthquakes, measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, occurred shortly after a deportation flight from Miami arrived in Venezuela, carrying 146 individuals, including women and children, according to the ICE Flight Monitor. Survivors reported that they were taken to the Hotel Santuario La Llanada for medical exams and identification documents. Lisbeth Portillo, a 58-year-old deportee, described her escape from the rubble alongside others, stating,
I cried and cried … there was no communication.
The Venezuelan government has reported that more than 1,700 people were killed as a result of the earthquakes. Portillo and others who escaped walked several kilometers to find help, eventually reaching a National Guard building. Deportation flights to Venezuela resumed in February 2025 after a 13-month pause, with the U.S. conducting 12 flights in May alone. The situation highlights the precarious conditions faced by deportees, particularly in the wake of natural disasters.
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Sources: theguardian.com, foreignpolicy.com.
The earthquakes could disrupt local economies and humanitarian efforts in Venezuela, impacting sectors such as construction and emergency services. Investors will watch for updates on recovery efforts and potential international aid responses following the disaster.