00:00The recovery of bodies is also very important because it allows families to begin the grieving process during this painful
00:05time.
00:06It is neither a quick nor an easy task, and local rescue workers play a key role in it.
00:11Let's hear the details from our colleague Paola Dracnik.
00:17Cristobal has four grandchildren. One of them is still trapped.
00:21His body lies beneath the rubble of one of the many buildings where Cristobal himself has worked as a rescue
00:26worker.
00:30Today, he responds to calls for help alongside one of the youngest, Sebastian, who is following in his footsteps as
00:37the little mole of La Guayra.
00:39The Urema rescue team has been in operation for 15 years now.
00:45We've deployed the brigade and done plenty of training in the mountains, on the bridge, and here at least in
00:51different locations.
00:52We've also been on active duty during beach operations, so we save lives however we can.
00:59He knows La Guayra like the back of his hand, which is why his work is crucial for law enforcement
01:05and rescue teams.
01:07They trust him. In fact, they respond quickly to his calls.
01:12Cristobal serves as the liaison with the residents, and he connects them with the rescue teams.
01:17I'm heading up there right now.
01:19I just got word that there's a person buried up there, and we're going to provide support to the guys
01:24from the Sucre rescue team who are waiting to do their part.
01:28I'm on my way there.
01:30And, well, we've been here for a while now, spending some time with the Topos guys over in the Caribbean,
01:36too.
01:37Every day, for weeks now.
01:40Cristobal tells us that it's a continuous process.
01:44The bodies are being recovered slowly because it's a delicate operation that must be completed before heavy machinery can be
01:50brought in.
01:52And, well, wherever they need us, we're there.
01:55It's like when you're in another state.
01:57You know the terrain.
01:58I know it.
01:59And we work together there.
02:01Just as I have the support of my team for other things, we also support each other.
02:08They need Cristobal to guide them.
02:11Little Sebastian stays at a health clinic.
02:16The journey up the hill is uncertain.
02:19The landscape is heartbreaking.
02:20Very much so.
02:24The residents of Renacer III up in Los Corrales know all about disasters.
02:29The 1999 landslide devastated this place.
02:32Now it was the earthquake.
02:38It's not easy to get there.
02:40And the shock continues.
02:41Francis was dancing the San Juan in town on June 24th.
02:45The first tremor made her run home.
02:48When I get here, I say, damn, oh, my God, my people, my neighbors, Ray Delis.
02:54For a moment, I left again, and my family was left behind.
02:58But I was up there, surrounded by nothing but friends.
03:04Help is slow to arrive up there.
03:06There are so many hot spots in La Guayra that, thanks to rescuers like Cristobal, it's possible to learn about
03:12those most remote areas.
03:14The neighbors haven't stopped working.
03:18Most of them stayed on the staircase.
03:20They tried to get out, and then, boom, that's where they were left.
03:24My own family was among them.
03:26We looked for them in the room, and in the room, but nothing.
03:29We still haven't found them.
03:34Cristobal skillfully surveys the scene.
03:38Rescuers from Sucre State follow him.
03:41It's not just one body.
03:42Several people remain trapped.
03:45Much more help will be needed, and they'll go get it.
03:48Cristobal will lead them again.
03:50Italo Rey Tamal and Paholad Dragnik.
03:53For Telesor, La Guayra.
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