On the morning of January 5, civil activities began to stir up again in many places after the shock of President Nicolas Maduro being arrested. However, the streets were much sparser than usual.
People said they are still in shock after the military campaign that shook the capital Caracas and are preparing psychologically for a prolonged period of instability both politically and economically.
In Barquisimeto city, Ms. Mariela Gonzalez - owner of a cosmetics store - said that she decided to reopen the business on the morning of January 5 after discussing with other small traders in the area. "We are very scared but cannot just sit idly by and let fear paralyze our lives," she shared.
Meanwhile, the political atmosphere is still very tense as US President Donald Trump declared that the US will temporarily "operate" Venezuela during the transition period, and warned that it will continue military intervention if the interim government does not cooperate.
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According to records at supermarkets, contrary to the wave of people flocking to pick up stockpiled goods due to panic at the weekend, the number of customers today is deserted. Mr. Rosendo Linarez - manager of a supermarket - said: "We are forced to open because many fresh food items are easily spoiled, but people now only stop to buy basic necessities and then leave immediately.
In Maracaibo, the country's second largest city, it is estimated that more than 1/3 of taxi and bus drivers have chosen to stay at home due to lack of passengers and security concerns. Female driver Marielys Urdaneta (41 years old) described the atmosphere at this time as "peace in tension". She said that she still has to go out to pick up passengers due to food and clothing pressure: "Whether you are afraid or not, you still have to eat and live.
Agreeing with this view, Douglas Sanchez - a snack seller in Caracas - confided: "Heartbroken and desperate, but we still have to go out to earn money. If we don't work, what will we put in our stomachs?".
Mr. Daniel Morillo (30 years old), who migrated to Peru 5 years ago and is returning to visit his hometown for Christmas, decided to shorten the trip immediately after the incident. He used the remaining money to buy medicine and food reserves for his elderly parents before rushing away.
I used to think I would only be sad to be away from my parents, but now I leave with a stone weighing down my heart because I left them in this uncertain situation," Mr. Morillo choked up.
