safety
As quake rescue effort winds down, Venezuelans are left alone to recover their dead
By Fernanda Pesce And Isabel Debre, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 6, 2026
· 6 min read
When the high-rise where Noel Márquez lived with his family crashed to the ground and burst into flames in Venezuela's twin earthquakes, Márquez, who happened to be at his girlfriend’s apartment, raced home and called out for his mother, grandparents and siblings. Only his 17-year-old brother, hi...
Key takeaway Only his 17-year-old brother, his legs pinned under columns that required heavy machinery to lift, responded.
Why this matters in Tomball News
The devastating story of Venezuelans recovering their dead after the twin earthquakes resonates with Tomball residents who have experienced their own share of natural disasters, including hurricanes and floods. While the scale of destruction may differ, the emotional toll of searching for loved ones and the importance of a proper burial are universal. In Tomball, community support and resources play a crucial role in helping families cope with tragedy. The Venezuelan experience serves as a stark reminder of the need for effective emergency response and recovery efforts, which Tomball's own public safety agencies strive to provide. As international rescue teams depart Venezuela, the focus shifts to supporting displaced individuals, a challenge that Tomball's community organizations and local government may face in the event of a disaster, highlighting the importance of preparedness and coordination in responding to crises.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball News 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? When the high-rise where Noel Márquez lived with his family crashed to the ground and burst into flames in Venezuela's twin earthquakes, Márquez, who happened to be at his girlfriend’s apartment, raced home and called out for his mother, grandparents and siblings. Only his 17-year-old brother, hi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Fernanda Pesce And Isabel Debre, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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