Spanish footballer Alexia Putellas and her family are safe in Caracas after a double earthquake shook Venezuela, leaving a provisional toll of 164 dead and 971 injured. Putellas has publicly thanked the messages of support received and has sent her solidarity to all those affected by the disaster, recalling that safety in seismic zones is a priority for any traveler.
Seismic alert apps: the development that failed in Venezuela 🌍
The double earthquake in Venezuela brings to the table the effectiveness of early warning systems. Although apps like MyShake or Earthquake Alert use sensor networks and prediction algorithms, on this occasion the local infrastructure failed to issue a warning with sufficient advance notice. The delay in notification shows that seismic detection technology requires constant investment and hardware maintenance to be truly useful in real time.
Travel insurance does not cover earthquakes, but it does cover memes 😅
While Alexia Putellas was grateful to be alive, on social media the typical memes of Spaniards abroad asking if the ground was moving due to an earthquake or a hangover from Venezuelan rum were already going viral. The saddest part is that, apparently, travel insurance coverage excludes seismic movements but includes therapy for post-traumatic stress from seeing your timeline full of bad jokes. Priorities.