Venezuela has been grappling with the aftermath of twin earthquakes that occurred on June 24, resulting in over 6,500 confirmed deaths and treating more than 226,696 people for injuries. Among the most severely affected are amputees who must navigate complex physical and emotional recovery processes while contending with scarce resources and fading global support.
Ricardo Contreras, a 24-year-old survivor, lost his left leg after being trapped beneath rubble for hours during the disaster. His case exemplifies the dual trauma many survivors face: while undergoing physiotherapy and preparing for a prosthetic limb, Contreras also lost both parents in the collapse. He is attempting to rebuild his life by continuing university studies and working at his family’s business, using crutches for mobility. His professors have accommodated him by moving classes to ground-floor locations, and he has found support among classmates.
Prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation is a lengthy, individualized process. At Ortoprotecnica, a workshop in Caracas specializing in prosthetic limbs, director Bianca Damaso explained that survivors typically require two to three months of physiotherapy before being fitted with artificial limbs, with timelines varying based on wound healing and existing health conditions. The selection process itself is complex, with over 100 knee options and more than 200 skin tones available. Children may eventually need multiple replacements as they grow, while adults require ongoing adjustments and repairs.
Beyond the physical challenges, survivors confront significant psychological hurdles. Many question whether they will regain mobility, manage independence, and ultimately find acceptance and love. Karina Bechara, who lost both legs after being trapped in rubble for 23 hours, aims to walk on prosthetic limbs by December 1. Despite describing her recovery as an emotional rollercoaster, she maintains focus on future goals and independence she had before the disaster.
International aid funding for earthquake recovery remains critically insufficient. As of September, the United Nations Children’s Fund had secured only $29.5 million of the $65.7 million needed for continued support, representing a 55 percent shortfall. The International Red Cross reported similar funding challenges, with only 39.8 percent of required resources secured that same month. These funding gaps mean long-term health costs will increasingly fall on survivors and their families.
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