After losing their mother and brother in a devastating earthquake in Venezuela, two teenagers fleeing to Colombia were struck by another massive tremor just days after arriving.

Key Takeaways

  • Teenagers Deivi and Winder lost their mother, grandmother, and brother in Venezuela's 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes.
  • The boys spent weeks searching through rubble, discovering their brother still holding his mother's hand.
  • Just three days after relocating to Cali, Colombia, they experienced a massive 7.4 magnitude earthquake.

For 15-year-old Deivi Delfín and his 17-year-old brother Winder, the ground shaking is no longer just a natural phenomenon—it is a haunting shadow. Having survived the catastrophic twin earthquakes in Venezuela that claimed their mother, grandmother, and 10-year-old brother, the duo sought refuge in Cali, Colombia. However, their search for safety was cut short when a massive 7.4 magnitude quake struck Colombia this week.

The trauma these boys carry is unimaginable. Following the collapse of their 12-story apartment in La Guaira, they spent weeks navigating narrow crevices in the rubble to assist rescuers. They found fragments of their lives—a Bible, a shopping list—before the ultimate heartbreak: finding their brother Moissés, who was still clutching his mother, Yusmani, in death. This experience stripped them of their childhood, turning them into seasoned survivors of grief.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this case highlights the compounding psychological trauma faced by climate and disaster refugees. When displacement is driven by natural disasters, the 'safety' of a new location is often an illusion, leading to a cycle of perpetual fear and instability for vulnerable populations.

"These children are not just surviving disasters; they are living in a state of constant, unremitting seismic trauma."

Upon arriving in Colombia to live with their father, the brothers hoped for a life of study and stability. That hope was shaken literally and figuratively when the ground moved again on Monday. While their father rushed to find them, the boys, displaying a chilling maturity, could only reassure him: "Dad, stay calm. We've been through this before."

Historical Background

The Caribbean and South American tectonic plates are highly active, making Venezuela and Colombia prone to high-magnitude seismic events. The June 2024 Venezuelan earthquakes were among the deadliest in recent history, causing massive displacement across the region.

Did You Know?: In search and rescue operations, the agility of teenagers is often utilized to navigate small gaps in collapsed structures that adult rescuers cannot enter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How strong was the earthquake in Colombia?
Answer: The earthquake in Colombia measured 7.4 on the magnitude scale, making it one of the strongest this century.

Question 2: What happened to the Delfín family in Venezuela?
Answer: The family lost their mother, grandmother, and youngest son when their apartment building collapsed during twin quakes in June.