More than 29 thousand people have been affected and 6 people have died due to the flooding of the Manzanares River in Sucre

The authorities’ reports indicate that at least 8,000 homes were affected by the rains and their effects in Cumanacoa | Photo: Red Cross

Official figures following the overflow of the Manzanares River in Cumanacoa indicate that there are more than 29,000 victims and 6 deaths confirmed by the authorities of the state of Sucre.

They also reported that at least 8,000 homes were affected in the state, mainly in the communities of La Fragua and Las Trincheras, which were blocked by mud. It is estimated that 400 houses were completely destroyed and that four people are still missing.

The rains, which began on the night of July 1, caused the Manzanares River to overflow its banks on the morning of July 2. This situation forced the inhabitants to flee in search of shelter.

Abelardo Kasabdji, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sucre state, reported on July 9 that at least 200 companies had closed in the state due to the floods. The government of Nicolás Maduro assured that it approved a special financing fund for the recovery of the productive sectors in Cumanacoa following the tragedy.

Photo: The Stimulus

Support for those affected

The Venezuelan state, non-governmental organizations and the Catholic Church have sent aid to those affected by the rains and floods in Cumanacoa.

Recently Caritas of Maturin sent a shipment with more than 2,000 kilos of donations for the victims. Among this aid was bottled water, food, clothing, sheets, blankets, personal hygiene items and baby diapers.

Caritas Maturín sent more than 2 thousand kilos of donations for those affected by the rains in Cumanacoa — Photo: Caritas Maturin

Most of the collection centers are located in the east of the country. However, the Chacao Mayor’s Office, Miranda State, recently opened a center in Los Palos Grandes. Likewise, several churches in the city of Caracas are receiving donations to later send them to Sucre.

People who wish to collaborate with donations can send:

– Bottled water

– Nonperishable food

– Personal hygiene items

– Baby diapers

– Sanitary towels

– Clothes in good condition

– Medicines

– Blankets and sheets

– Mats

The Ministry of Health reported that it has provided medical care to nearly 5,000 people affected in Cumanacoa and that it will hold ophthalmology and optometry sessions for those who lost their glasses during the tragedy.

Testimonies of those affected

Hector Esparragoza, a resident of the La Fragua sector, one of the most affected communities, explained in an interview for Radio Faith and Joy the magnitude of the consequences that those living in the area are experiencing.

“We are saving what we can, what was left flooded. There were people who stayed in their houses and the river swept them away,” said Esparragoza.

More than 29 thousand people have been affected and 6 people have died due to the flooding of the Manzanares River in Sucre — Photo: Radio Fe y Alegria

The citizen said that the rain began very late at night and by early morning on July 2, residents were already fleeing, so they had no chance to take anything from their homes.

“It’s all over, this place is gone, we can’t live here,” said Myriam García, also a resident of La Fragua, to the same media outlet.

Those affected complained that they have not received sufficient attention from the national authorities. They pointed out that compared to 2012, when the river also overflowed in the town, the attention has been more precarious.

“They haven’t helped us like they did in 2012, when we had everything without asking so many questions,” explained Francisco Gaitán, another affected person in Cumanacoa.