Venezuela's earthquake survivors: Volunteers turn Mcdonald’s into clinic

For generations of Venezuelans, this fast food restaurant was part of family holidays on the Caribbean coast. A place associated with celebrations and childhood memories. Today, it serves a very different purpose, an emergency medical clinic. After Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes damaged hospitals across La Guaira and overwhelmed local health services, volunteer medical teams transformed this restaurant into a place where survivors can receive treatment. Now, doctors, nurses and emergency responders work where customers once came for burgers and coffee. I grew up coming to this restaurant as a child, now we're here treating patients. It still feels like home, but today we're serving people in a very different way. It's something we should all do, help Venezuelans however we can, because they need us. Volunteer Dennis Paola Risco is one of thousands of medical professionals donating their time here. The clinic provides consultation, wound care and follow-up treatment for survivors whose access to health care was disrupted by the disaster. Keeping the operation running requires more than doctors. Behind the scenes, volunteers coordinate logistics, security and patient flow, often working with little rest. What keeps me going is the hope, the chance of hearing that someone is still alive. Without that, I wouldn't be here. It's been incredibly difficult. I sleep only three or four hours a day. For many people in La Guaira, this clinic has become one of the few places where medical care is still within reach. As hospital continues struggling to recover, volunteer-run centres like this are helping fill a critical gap in the emergency response. I never imagined anything like this. I'm deeply grateful to everyone and for all the support I've seen across La Guaira. It truly makes me feel cared for and supported. Organisers say that they will keep this clinic open indefinitely, as long as they have enough donations to do so. In a national health system overwhelmed by this catastrophe, spaces like this will continue to be vital. Nori Soto, Al Jazeera, La Guaira.