Mine Collapse in Venezuela Claims 14 Lives After Heavy Rains
At least 14 people have died following a mine collapse in El Callao, Venezuela, after torrential rains struck the southeast region. The incident occurred on March 15, 2024, leading to a significant loss of life and prompting immediate emergency response efforts.
Authorities have confirmed that the fatalities occurred in three different shafts of the Cuatro Esquinas de Caratal mine, located approximately 850 kilometers (about 528 miles) southeast of Caracas. A command post has been established to coordinate recovery operations, led by Brigadier General Gregory González Acevedo, who oversees the Operational Zones for Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (ZOEDAN) in Bolívar state.
Search and rescue operations commenced with efforts to pump water from the shafts to lower the water levels, allowing rescuers to evaluate the situation for potential survivors. As of now, the death toll is based on testimonies from other miners, as reported by local firefighters on social media platforms.
The flooding that caused the mine collapse has drawn attention to the dangerous working conditions prevalent in Venezuela’s mining industry. The town of El Callao, with its population of around 30,000, heavily relies on gold mining, where many residents are involved in the sector either directly or indirectly. This incident underscores the broader issue of unsafe practices within the poorly regulated mining industry in Venezuela, which is rich in copper, diamonds, and other precious metals.
As rescue operations continue, local authorities are focusing on recovering the deceased and addressing the immediate needs of affected families. The tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved safety regulations in the mining sector to prevent future incidents and protect the lives of those who rely on this industry for their livelihoods.
