Venezuelans criticize earthquake response as disaster exposes government weaknesses

By July 6, the death toll from Venezuela’s June 24 earthquakes had climbed to 3,535. Public anger mounted over a slow, disorganized and under-resourced response. The criticism has sharpened in La Guaira, the hardest-hit state, where people were left to dig through wreckage for neighbors and relatives before a serious search-and-rescue operation arrived.

The twin quakes struck about 39 seconds apart, with the first at about magnitude 7.2 and the second at about 7.5. The U.S. Geological Survey issued red PAGER alerts for both shocks. Severe destruction spread across several cities, including Catia La Mar and Caraballeda, and thousands of people were still sleeping in shelters or outdoors days later.

The response was slowed by a shortage of heavy machinery, food and medical supplies. Medical workers warned that untreated injuries and infectious disease could turn the disaster into a broader public-health crisis among displaced families. Rescuers pulled 43-year-old security guard Hernán Alberto Gil Flores alive from the rubble after nearly eight days. He survived in an air pocket and was sustained by water and food passed to him through the debris.

Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s acting president, rejected the accusations at a July 2 news conference and said the government had activated emergency protocols immediately. She said 4,000 officials were deployed at once, 14,000 were on the ground the next day and 19,000 were currently involved in the response. Rodríguez also accused media outlets of spreading misinformation and dismissed claims that poor social housing had worsened the disaster. Her 180-day mandate was nearing expiration.

The United States was mounting an immediate response, deploying a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team and urban search-and-rescue teams. The Department of State was also working with Global Empowerment Mission and Walmart to move relief supplies into the country.