ARAGUA FLOODS

In October 2022, the state of Aragua was struck by a natural disaster that changed the lives of hundreds of Venezuelans. Heavy rains caused rivers to overflow mercilessly, sweeping away everything in their path, leaving hundreds of families homeless and claiming more than 50 lives.

Vicenta Galindez found herself trapped in her room with her son-in-law Wilmer and her 8-year-old grandson, Moisés. A neighbor heard their cries and managed to lift the roof slightly from the outside, enough to rescue the three of them alive.

"These handprints on the wall are marks of despair. They are mine and my grandson's hands trying to climb up the wall as we saw the water reaching our necks. There is so much pain in this room." - Vicenta Galindez

Assignments done for REUTERS and EL PAIS