On Thursday, Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez defended her government's response to the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the country last week. With the death toll now at 2,595 and more than 12,400 injured, Rodríguez emphasized the immediate activation of rescue efforts.
Criticism of Government Response
Rodríguez addressed foreign journalists, stating, "We did not wait one day, two days or three days. We activated immediately." She acknowledged that the initial responders included survivors and neighbors, which has drawn criticism regarding the government's organizational capabilities. The International Rescue Committee criticized the scale of the response, indicating that it did not meet the humanitarian needs of the situation.
In response to the criticism, Rodríguez labeled the narratives as "manufactured in propaganda laboratories," adding, "To politicize a humanitarian tragedy like this is disgraceful." She appeared visibly upset as she advocated for her administration's efforts.
Current Situation and Ongoing Efforts
As search and rescue operations continue, thousands remain unaccounted for, with hope diminishing for finding more survivors. Relatives and volunteers are increasingly focused on recovering the deceased. Many individuals are now sleeping in crowded shelters or outdoors, raising concerns from medical professionals about potential outbreaks of infectious diseases.
- Death toll: 2,595
- Injured: 12,400
- Thousands still missing
International Aid and Recovery Plans
During her address, Rodríguez announced that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank will provide financial assistance for recovery efforts. The government is establishing a $200 million reconstruction fund with the IMF to aid in rebuilding lost homes.
Additionally, Rodríguez expressed gratitude towards US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their support, noting the US has committed over $300 million and deployed around 900 military personnel to assist in rescue and relief operations.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by DW English. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
