Since March 7th, almost all Venezuela, including its capital, has been trying to survive without electricity, internet and running water at the same time, and also overwhelmed by shortages, hyperinflation and crime. This is what life would be like under such conditions.
Venezuela’s collapse is usually seen through headlines or figures, and we don’t get the chance to see what it all means and what it does to the ones who endure it. No matter how privileged you think you are, it will all get to you.
In Barquisimeto, 400 km west of Caracas, we haven’t escaped the longest blackout in Venezuelan history. We have survived for a month with no electricity or water, it’s been an emotional roller coaster caused by the lack of basic services.
Zulia has four thermal power stations, able to provide 76% of the energy that Zulia needs. But all of them are off, and Maracaibo is being powered only by a string of electricity coming from the other side of the country. Why? Corruption and mismanagement .
Key moments from Guaidó's speech to thousands of Venezuelans on Francisco de Miranda Ave. in El Marqués on Saturday, April 6th, the first formal activity of Operation Freedom. Several websites were blocked and the trucks carrying the sound system were, as usual, held up by the security forces controlled by chavismo.
The ruling party used to be quite disciplined, particularly under pressure. But the collapse of the nation’s power network is damaging Maracaibo so much that some local lawmakers started a rebellion against the imposed governor.
One century ago, this was a dictator’s favorite city. In the 90s, it was the place where Hugo Chávez prepared his coup. Now, at the Círculo Militar the privileged in uniform can be spared of the predicaments of civilians.
The collapse of the country’s power network, which worsens the already catastrophic conditions the population is forced to endure, is the outcome of the interruption of a long development program that started half a century ago
There can be a huge gap between reality and propaganda, and between what Venezuelans experience on the ground and what leftist Americans or Canadians can say to confirm their own preconceptions. What does Venezuela’s Roscharch image say about you?
The electric crisis has turned the massive infrastructure that Caracas needs to pump water, utterly useless. After a month without water through the pipes, the consequences of this man-made drought may soon outweigh those of blackouts themselves.
We’ve been able to hang on for 22 years in one of the craziest media landscapes in the world. We’ve seen different media outlets in Venezuela (and abroad) closing shop, something we’re looking to avoid at all costs. Your collaboration goes a long way in helping us weather the storm.
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