The humanitarian response following the devastating earthquakes in northern Venezuela extended beyond emergency rescue efforts, with the Government of El Salvador covering the medical expenses of Venezuelan survivor Nayarit Colmenares after she was rescued from the rubble.
Colmenares, an architect and designer, was trapped for approximately two days after the collapse of her fourth-floor apartment in Caraballeda, La Guaira, one of the areas heavily affected by the earthquakes. She ultimately survived but suffered severe injuries that resulted in the loss of her right hand.
According to the account, Colmenares initially received emergency treatment at a hospital in La Guaira before being transferred to a private clinic in Caracas. From that point onward, her medical expenses were covered by the Salvadoran government following an order from President Nayib Bukele.
Her testimony illustrates the devastating human cost of the disaster. Trapped in darkness beneath the collapsed structure, Colmenares described the physical pain and fear she experienced while waiting for rescue. She later reflected that losing her husband was an even greater emotional loss than losing her hand.
The case highlights a dimension of El Salvador’s humanitarian response that continued after the immediate emergency: providing medical assistance and financial support to survivors whose lives were profoundly affected by the disaster.
The Salvadoran government’s intervention demonstrates how humanitarian assistance can extend beyond emergency supplies and rescue operations, offering continued support to victims as they begin the difficult process of recovery and rehabilitation.