Death toll in Venezuela earthquake nears 3,000; government faces criticism

Venezuela is grappling with the devastating aftermath of a powerful double earthquake, as the confirmed death toll has climbed to 2,954. The Ministry of Information reported that 16,592 individuals have sustained injuries. The natural disaster has rendered an estimated 16,309 people homeless, according to Parliament President Jorge Rodriguez.

The search for survivors continues, though the government has not provided figures for the number of people still missing. United Nations estimates suggest the missing could number as high as 50,000. The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck the South American nation on June 24.

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The situation is dramatic.

The northern state of La Guaira, situated on the Caribbean coast, has been the most severely affected region. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez described the situation there as "dramatic," noting that nearly all local government officials in the area perished. Satellite imagery reveals the extensive scale of the destruction.

In recent days, the transitional government led by Rodriguez has faced significant criticism. Survivors and aid organizations have accused authorities of sluggishness and inefficiency, pointing to a lack of heavy equipment for debris removal. They claim that rescue operations are largely being carried out by civilians and international helpers.

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The government has acted immediately.

President Rodriguez has refuted these accusations, asserting that the government acted immediately. Parliament President Jorge Rodriguez stated that 30,000 state emergency personnel and 3,281 international helpers have been mobilized. He also alleged that deliberate misinformation, such as fake tsunami warnings, was being spread to sow chaos, and that the originators of these false reports had been identified.

According to Rodriguez, initial findings indicate that 189 buildings were completely destroyed and at least 855 others were damaged, including hospitals. Bridges and roads have also been affected. The government plans to establish an initial reconstruction fund of $200 million, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) expected to release the funds. An account has also been set up at the Latin American Development Bank for international monetary donations, intended primarily for reconstruction efforts.

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False information was deliberately spread to sow additional chaos, for example with fictitious tsunami warnings.