safety
As quake rescue effort winds down, Venezuelans are left alone to recover their dead
By AP via Scripps News Group at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· 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 Detroit
In Detroit , where community resilience is a hallmark, the plight of Venezuelans searching for their dead in the quake's aftermath resonates deeply. The city's own experiences with disaster response and recovery, though different in scale, inform a sense of empathy for those left to navigate the devastating task of recovering loved ones with limited resources. As Detroiters, we understand the importance of a supportive community during times of crisis, and it's heartbreaking to see Venezuelans facing this challenge largely alone. The story of Noel Mrquez and others like him serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of disaster and the need for comprehensive support systems. In Detroit, we've seen the impact of community-led initiatives in the face of adversity, and it's clear that Venezuelans could benefit from similar support as they work to recover and rebuild.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit 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 WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
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 WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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