Delayed orders from senior Venezuelan military officials, a shortage of essential equipment, and widespread confusion hindered the initial response to two powerful earthquakes that struck the country’s coast in late June, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. The quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, resulted in at least 5,000 fatalities, though independent experts, including those from the US Geological Survey, have suggested the actual death toll could be nearly twice as high.

The hardest hit area was La Guaira state, home to Venezuela’s main international airport, a major port, and numerous high-rise residential buildings that either partially or completely collapsed. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who is supported by US President Donald Trump, has defended the government’s handling of the crisis amid domestic criticism that military personnel and officials were slow to arrive and largely ineffective in assisting victims trapped under rubble during the critical early period following the disaster.

While Rodriguez asserted that 4,000 officials were deployed immediately, witnesses and local residents reported that military and police presence was minimal in La Guaira during the first hours after the earthquakes. One military officer said his unit only traveled to the region a day after the quakes, after receiving orders to reinforce local forces, and emphasized that preparations and logistics were necessary before deployment. Several sources described a lack of clear command and multiple delays in issuing instructions as significant factors that impeded a timely response.

One diplomatic source described the situation as chaotic, noting a weak chain of command and uncertainty about roles and responsibilities. According to this source, delays in assigning search sectors to both Venezuelan and international rescuers, who arrived within the first 48 hours, resulted in lost time that could have been used to save lives. “Everyone looks upward waiting for an order. They would rather do nothing than act and risk being reprimanded,” the source said.

Other military sources pointed to logistical challenges, noting inadequate availability of vehicles to transport troops into the quake zone and shortages of essential tools such as hammers, pickaxes, and helicopters equipped with night vision capabilities. Additionally, a senior official responsible for disaster response reportedly arrived in La Guaira hours after the earthquakes without the communications equipment needed to coordinate a large-scale effort.

Government spokespeople have not responded to requests for comment from independent observers, but Rodriguez has publicly defended the response. When questioned about the chain of command, she dismissed reports of disorder as efforts by “media laboratories” to create a false impression and later took personal responsibility for the actions of the Bolivarian National Armed Force. Rodriguez also designated National Guard commander Juan Sulbaran Quintero as the primary authority overseeing the disaster response, while simultaneously granting powers to Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello. Four sources indicated this overlapping authority led to confusion and debate over which security forces—military police or national police—should lead operations.

Observers noted a stark contrast between the current response and the military’s full-scale deployment during a major mudslide in La Guaira in 1999, which involved boats and helicopters rescuing and evacuating survivors. Years of economic crisis have reportedly undermined the Venezuelan military’s operational readiness, with funding prioritized for salaries rather than maintenance and equipment.

Several sources noted that the earthquakes coincided with Army Day, a national holiday during which many military personnel were off duty and away from their posts. One military insider criticized the lack of an immediate recall of forces by senior commanders, calling it a missed opportunity for the armed forces to demonstrate strong leadership and provide vital assistance during an emergency.

“The military should have been on site at dawn with armored vehicles and rescue equipment,” the officer said, highlighting that such a visible presence would have had a significant psychological impact on affected communities.