← News Topics
Advance

Day 1: Venezuela Earthquakes Leave Tens of Thousands Missing

1日目：ベネズエラの地震で数万人が行方不明に

28 June 2026

Earthquake damage and rescue efforts in Venezuela

A devastating pair of earthquakes has struck Venezuela, leaving more than 900 people dead and tens of thousands still unaccounted for. According to the United Nations, more than 50,000 people are still missing as rescue workers continue searching through collapsed buildings and damaged neighborhoods.

ベネズエラを2度にわたる壊滅的な地震が襲い、900人以上が死亡し、数万人が依然として消息不明となっています。国連によると、救助隊が倒壊した建物や被害を受けた地域を捜索し続ける中、5万人以上がいまだに行方不明のままです。

One of the worst-hit areas is La Guaira, a coastal state north of the capital, Caracas. In some neighborhoods, buildings have been flattened, while others are leaning dangerously to one side. Residents say the destruction is difficult to describe. Streets that were once part of ordinary daily life are now filled with rubble, broken concrete, and people searching for loved ones.

最も被害の大きい地域の一つが、首都カラカスの北に位置する沿岸州ラ・グアイラです。一部の地域では建物が完全に押しつぶされ、他の建物も危険なほど傾いています。住民たちは、その破壊の様子は言葉では表現しきれないと話しています。かつて日常生活の一部だった通りは、今では瓦礫や砕けたコンクリート、そして大切な人を探す人々であふれています。

Rescue crews have been working in extremely difficult conditions. In some places, heavy equipment is needed to move debris safely. But the work must often stop so rescuers can listen for signs of life under the wreckage. Neighbors wait nearby, hoping for news, while families continue to search with their own hands.

救助隊は極めて困難な状況の中で活動を続けています。場所によっては、瓦礫を安全に取り除くために重機が必要です。しかし、救助隊が瓦礫の下に生存者の兆候がないか耳を澄ませるため、作業をたびたび中断しなければなりません。近隣住民は知らせを待ちながら近くで見守り、家族は自らの手で捜索を続けています。

International rescue teams have begun arriving, but the response remains uneven. Local volunteers, health workers, and ordinary residents have also turned out to help, bringing food, water, and donations. For many people, the most painful uncertainty is not knowing whether missing family members are still alive.

国際的な救助チームが到着し始めていますが、対応にはまだムラがあります。地元のボランティア、医療従事者、そして一般の住民たちも支援に駆けつけ、食料、水、寄付を届けています。多くの人にとって最もつらいのは、行方不明の家族がまだ生きているのかどうか分からないという不確かさです。

The disaster is still unfolding. As more bodies are recovered, officials fear that the death toll may rise further. For now, the focus remains on rescue, survival, and the overwhelming task of finding those who are still missing.

この災害はいまだ進行中です。遺体の収容が進むにつれ、当局は死者数がさらに増える恐れがあると懸念しています。現時点では、救助と生存、そして依然として行方不明の人々を見つけるという困難な作業に焦点が当てられています。

Vocabulary

  1. unaccounted for — missing; not yet found or confirmed safe. Example: A devastating pair of earthquakes has struck Venezuela, leaving more than 900 people dead and tens of thousands still unaccounted for.
  2. rubble — broken pieces of stone, concrete, or buildings after destruction. Example: Streets that were once part of ordinary daily life are now filled with rubble, broken concrete, and people searching for loved ones.
  3. wreckage — the broken remains of something that has been destroyed. Example: But the work must often stop so rescuers can listen for signs of life under the wreckage.
  4. flattened — completely destroyed and made flat. Example: In some neighborhoods, buildings have been flattened, while others are leaning dangerously to one side.
  5. rescue crew — a team of people trained to save others after accidents or disasters. Example: A rescue crew worked in extremely difficult conditions after the accident.
  6. death toll — the number of people who have died in a disaster or conflict. Example: As more bodies are recovered, officials fear that the death toll may rise further.
  7. harrowing — extremely upsetting or frightening. Example: The events described in the article highlight the importance of harrowing.
  8. unfolding — still developing or happening, especially in a situation where the final result is not yet clear. Example: The disaster is still unfolding.

Comprehension Questions

  1. What happened in Venezuela?

    ベネズエラで何が起きたのですか？

  2. Why is La Guaira mentioned in the article?

    なぜこの記事はラ・グアイラに言及しているのですか？

  3. Why do rescuers sometimes stop using heavy equipment?

    なぜ救助隊は重機の使用を一時的に止めることがあるのですか？

  4. Who has been helping with the rescue and relief efforts?

    救助・支援活動には誰が協力していますか？

  5. Why might the death toll rise further?

    なぜ死者数がさらに増える可能性があるのですか？

Discussion Questions

  1. In a major disaster, what should the first priority be: speed, safety, or coordination? Why?

    大規模な災害において、最初に優先すべきなのはスピード、安全性、連携のうちどれだと思いますか。それはなぜですか？

  2. Why is the phrase “unaccounted for” emotionally different from simply saying “missing”?

    「unaccounted for」という表現が、単に「missing（行方不明）」と言うのと感情的に異なるのはなぜですか？

  3. How can ordinary citizens help after a disaster without interfering with professional rescue work?

    一般市民は、専門の救助活動の妨げにならずに、災害後どのように支援できますか？

  4. What makes disaster reporting difficult when the situation is still unfolding?

    状況がまだ進行中であるとき、災害報道を難しくしているのは何ですか？

Sample Answers

In a major disaster, what should the first priority be: speed, safety, or coordination?

In the early stage of a disaster, speed is important, but safety and coordination are also essential. If rescuers move too quickly without proper information, they may put both survivors and rescue workers in danger. A good response needs urgent action, but it also needs clear communication and careful decisions.

Why is “unaccounted for” emotionally different from “missing”?

“Unaccounted for” sounds more official and uncertain than “missing.” It suggests that authorities have not yet confirmed where people are or whether they are safe. The phrase leaves open both hope and fear, which makes it emotionally powerful.

How can ordinary citizens help after a disaster?

Ordinary citizens can help by donating water, food, medical supplies, or money through reliable organizations. They can also help neighbors and provide information. However, they should avoid entering dangerous areas unless they are trained, because that may create more work for rescue teams.

What makes disaster reporting difficult when the situation is still unfolding?

Disaster reporting is difficult because numbers can change quickly. Early information may be incomplete or wrong. Journalists need to describe the seriousness of the situation without exaggerating or giving false certainty.