Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has defended her government’s response to the twin earthquakes that struck the northern state of La Guaira on June 24, resulting in a death toll nearing 2,600 and thousands still missing. The two powerful quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, caused widespread destruction and prompted both domestic and international criticism over the perceived slow and inadequate official response.
Rodriguez, who assumed power in January following the ouster of former President Nicolas Maduro by the United States, held her first press conference since the disaster to address concerns that the government had delayed its actions. She stated that the response was immediate and robust, noting that 4,000 officials were deployed on the day of the quakes, a number that increased to 14,000 the following day and to 19,000 currently. Additionally, she said an emergency decree had been issued to activate disaster protocols.
The Venezuelan president emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to search-and-rescue efforts and relief operations, highlighting visits to hospitals treating children severely injured by the earthquakes. State media have broadcast images of Rodriguez coordinating with military and security officials, while soldiers have been seen patrolling the area and assisting with relief activities.
Despite these government efforts, independent observers and rescue workers report that much of the immediate aid—such as food, medical supplies, and heavy machinery to clear debris—was slow to arrive. Search-and-rescue operations have often been led by civilians, including survivors, family members, volunteer paramedics, foreign rescue teams, firefighters, and student medical personnel. Eyewitness accounts describe volunteers using hand tools and makeshift equipment to dig through rubble where entire housing towers collapsed.
The death toll provided by Rodriguez stands at 2,595, though she did not specify the number of missing persons. An unofficial online registry tracking missing individuals reported a decrease from about 60,000 in the days following the earthquakes to roughly 38,500 recently. The US Geological Survey has suggested that fatalities could potentially exceed 10,000. The United Nations has responded by procuring 10,000 body bags for Venezuelan authorities.
Rodriguez criticized media coverage of the disaster, accusing certain outlets of perpetuating a politically motivated narrative aimed at undermining the government and creating disorder in La Guaira, but she did not provide further details on these claims.
On the economic front, the government announced plans to establish a $200 million reconstruction fund in partnership with the International Monetary Fund to finance rebuilding efforts. The fund will channel resources to contractors subject to financial oversight. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank have both offered assistance and credit for recovery initiatives.
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, civilians played a crucial role in transporting essential supplies to affected areas, often using motorcycles to navigate damaged infrastructure. Volunteer groups continue to manage shelters for those displaced by the disaster, operating with some official support but largely maintaining autonomous organization.
Amid the destruction and ongoing recovery work, survivors and rescuers find moments of hope as families continue to search for loved ones lost in the catastrophic events.