As Venezuela grapples with massive casualties from a powerful earthquake, some residents who have lost their livelihoods are searching through the rubble of collapsed buildings to collect recyclable metals like copper and aluminum to survive.
The Argentine daily Clarin reported on July 5 (local time) that debris from disaster sites is being piled up daily in an open lot near Caraballeda in La Guaira State, where the damage is concentrated. Dozens of residents are sifting through piles of concrete and steel, searching for copper that can be exchanged for cash.
"I have been coming here for three days to look for copper and aluminum," said 54-year-old resident Jose Diaz. "If I can earn about 5 dollars (7,600 won) a day, I can at least buy some snacks."
He explained that he used to make a living selling mangoes on the beach when tourists were around, but with the influx of tourists cut off, his income disappeared, leaving him with no choice but to scavenge through the debris.
Even residents from nearby Naiguata, where the damage was relatively minor, are visiting the site.
"You get 5 dollars (7,600 won) for 1kg of copper," said a resident named Anderson. "Since new debris keeps arriving, there is still plenty to search through."
At the site, when dump trucks unload debris transported from disaster areas, residents are often seen rushing in all at once to secure metals found in electrical wires, air conditioners, and home appliances.
While Venezuelan citizens, who lost everything in the earthquake, have touched hearts by sharing food and offering warm hospitality to rescue workers dispatched from around the world, thefts taking advantage of the earthquake damage are also occurring.
Some residents testified that criminals from outside the area have been stealing electronic equipment and parts from buildings and vehicles where rescue operations have concluded.
The earthquake caused massive damage as two powerful tremors of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck in succession.
According to the Venezuelan government, the death toll has reached 2,954, with 16,592 injured and over 50,000 people reported missing.
The earthquake has left 885 buildings unusable, and 189 buildings have completely collapsed in the capital, Caracas, and La Guaira, which suffered the most severe damage.
Clarin reported that this scene is a reflection of both the major disaster and Venezuela's chronic economic crisis.
In the country, the monthly income of many workers, including those in the public sector, remains at around 240 dollars (approximately 370,000 won) even when combining base salary and various allowances. Many residents make ends meet through informal labor, day jobs, or collecting recyclables.
In particular, the media outlet added that as the tourism industry and local commercial districts have been hit hard by the earthquake, residents who have lost their traditional means of livelihood are being driven into a reality where they earn a few dollars a day by searching for recyclable metals in the ruins.