Willner Rivas, a former French volleyball player and captain of Venezuela’s national team, has been reported missing following a series of earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on April 17, 2024, according to the Venezuelan National Civil Protection System. The 32-year-old, who last played for Narbonne in France’s Ligue A, was reportedly in the coastal city of La Guaira when the 6.4-magnitude quake struck, causing widespread damage and triggering landslides. Authorities have launched a search operation, but no confirmed sightings or updates have been released as of April 19.
Who is Willner Rivas?
Rivas, born in Caracas, began his professional volleyball career in France, joining Narbonne in 2015 after stints with Spanish and Italian clubs. His time at Narbonne coincided with a period of growth for the team, which finished fifth in the 2017–2018 Ligue A season. A 6’4" outside hitter, Rivas was known for his versatility and leadership, earning a spot on Venezuela’s national team in 2018. The Venezuelan Volleyball Federation confirmed his international caps in a statement released on April 18, though details about his current residence or activities in Venezuela remain unclear.
“Willner was a key player during our 2019 Pan American Cup campaign,” said Luis Martínez, a former teammate and current assistant coach for Venezuela’s national team. “His experience and composure under pressure made him a valuable asset.” Martínez added that Rivas had not been in regular contact with the federation in recent months, though he had expressed interest in returning to Venezuela to coach youth programs.
What Happened During the Earthquakes?
The earthquakes, which struck at 3:12 a.m. local time, were part of a series of tremors that affected the Caribbean region. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recorded a 6.4-magnitude quake centered 15 miles east of La Guaira, with a secondary 5.8-magnitude event occurring 12 hours later. The Venezuelan government reported at least 120 casualties and 800 injuries, though independent media outlets have questioned the accuracy of the figures. La Guaira, a port city with a population of over 400,000, suffered significant infrastructure damage, including collapsed buildings and blocked roads.
“The situation is dire,” said María López, a La Guaira resident who spoke to Reuters via satellite phone. “Entire neighborhoods are gone. We’re using flashlights to search through the rubble.” Local authorities have deployed 5,000 military personnel to assist with rescue efforts, but communication networks remain disrupted, complicating search operations.
What Is Known About Rivas’ Whereabouts?
Rivas’ last confirmed location was La Guaira, where he was reportedly visiting family. A friend of the player, who requested anonymity, told AFP that Rivas had arrived in Venezuela on April 15 to attend a family event. “He was supposed to leave on April 17, but the earthquakes changed everything,” the source said. The Venezuelan Red Cross has not yet listed Rivas as a missing person on its official database, but local media outlets have reported his disappearance.
The Venezuelan Volleyball Federation released a statement on April 18, urging anyone with information to contact their helpline. “We are in constant communication with local authorities and are doing everything possible to locate Willner,” said federation spokesperson Ana Fernández. “His safety is our top priority.”
How Are Authorities Responding?
The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency in La Guaira and adjacent regions, mobilizing disaster response teams from neighboring states. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI) has warned of potential aftershocks and landslides, advising residents to avoid affected zones. International aid organizations, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), have pledged support, though access to the region remains constrained by damaged infrastructure.
“We’re coordinating with local authorities to establish temporary shelters and distribute supplies,” said IFRC spokesperson James Carter. “However, the scale of the destruction is overwhelming.” The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has also pledged $5 million in humanitarian aid, pending approval from Venezuela’s foreign ministry.
What Are the Broader Implications?
Rivas’ disappearance has drawn attention to the vulnerability of Venezuela’s infrastructure, which has deteriorated amid the country’s ongoing economic crisis. The 2018 National Infrastructure Report highlighted that 40% of public buildings in northern Venezuela were at risk of collapse due to lack of maintenance. The earthquakes have exacerbated these challenges, with many residents relying on informal networks for shelter and food.
The incident also raises questions about the safety of athletes traveling to high-risk areas. In 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued guidelines for athletes competing in regions prone to natural disasters, emphasizing the need for emergency protocols. However, Rivas’ case highlights gaps in enforcement, as he was reportedly in a private capacity rather than under official sponsorship.
What’s Next for the Investigation?
Local authorities have announced a 72-hour search window, with teams focusing on La Guaira’s residential zones. A spokesperson for the Venezuelan National Guard stated that drones and ground-penetrating radar are being used to scan for survivors. Meanwhile, the Venezuelan Volleyball Federation has launched a social media campaign to spread awareness, using the hashtag #FindWillnerRivas.
“We’re reaching out to every possible contact he might have had,” said Fernández. “Every lead, no matter how small, is being investigated.” The federation has also partnered with French volleyball officials, who have offered to assist with translation and communication efforts.
As the search continues,
