Following devastating earthquakes in La Guaira, Venezuela, an estimated 90% of victims have been unable to receive traditional wakes or velorios. The urgent need to recover and identify bodies is overriding customary mourning practices. Experts caution that the lack of these farewell rituals could have psychological consequences for the bereaved. Recovery efforts are prioritized due to the scale of the disaster and limited resources. This situation highlights the challenging conditions faced by communities grappling with mass fatalities. The change in protocol underscores the immense pressure and logistical hurdles in responding to the crisis and providing closure for families. The atypical circumstances are forcing a re-evaluation of grief processes in the region.