safety
As quake rescue effort winds down, Venezuelans are left alone to recover their dead
By AP via Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· 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 Nashville
In Nashville , the devastating earthquake aftermath in Venezuela serves as a stark contrast to the city's own emergency response efforts. While Nashville's public safety teams are trained to respond to various disasters, the Venezuelan tragedy highlights the importance of having adequate resources and equipment to handle large-scale rescue and recovery operations. The fact that Venezuelans are left to recover their dead with minimal assistance is a grim reminder of the consequences of insufficient disaster preparedness. As Nashville continues to grow and develop, it is crucial for city officials to prioritize investments in emergency response infrastructure, including equipment and personnel training, to ensure that residents receive timely and effective aid in the event of a disaster. This includes having access to heavy machinery, such as cranes, which can be instrumental in search and rescue operations. By learning from the challenges faced by Venezuelan communities, Nashville can strengthen its own disaster response capabilities.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville 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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
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 NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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