When Ordinary People Become Rescuers

By Emiliano Rodríguez Nuesch and María Morena Vicente

The earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela have left thousands dead and many more missing.

More than a week later, search efforts continue. Alongside professional rescue teams, hundreds of volunteers are digging through collapsed buildings. Most have no formal training in search and rescue. They are mechanics, farmers, small business owners and relatives of people still missing. They come with helmets, gloves and basic hand tools, hoping to find survivors or help families recover their loved ones.

Photograph: Manu Quintero/Guardian

One of them is Darwin Rodríguez, a 32-year-old motorcycle mechanic known as "Little Snake" because of his ability to squeeze through narrow spaces.

"I'm not afraid," he said. "But you need to be brave to do this."

Darwin Rodríguez, known as Little Snake, travelled 700km to help with the search and rescue efforts. Picture credits: The Guardian.

Another volunteer, Esnaider Meléndez, left behind his wife and four children to join the search.

"This isn't about money. It's about saving lives."

Esnaider Meléndez joins the search efforts in La Guaira, Venezuela. Picture credits: The Guardian.

Adolfo Guedes, whose daughter is believed to be trapped beneath the rubble, says the volunteers traveled six hours to help search for her. Before the earthquakes, most of them were farmers.

“Now, they are moles. They’ve gone from being farmers to being moles because of the love they feel for my daughter.”

Disasters depend on trained professionals, specialized equipment, and coordinated emergency response. They also depend on people who decide they cannot stand by while others need help.

These volunteers did not become rescuers because they were prepared. They became rescuers because someone needed them.

How to help

If you would like to support people affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela, you can:

Arithmetic of Compassion Team