Earthquakes in Venezuela: A tragedy within a tragedy

The recent earthquakes in Venezuela struck a nation already grappling with profound institutional decay and crumbling infrastructure, according to Franco-Venezuelan journalist Saraï Suarez. The catastrophe has exacerbated the suffering in a state described as "failed," where institutions have been systematically dismantled and infrastructure left to rot.

Suarez's commentary, published by Libération, suggests that the government's actions have created a fragile environment where natural disasters inflict disproportionately severe damage. The neglect of essential services and public works means that even moderate seismic activity can have devastating consequences for the population.

The article frames the earthquake's impact as a "tragedy within a tragedy," emphasizing how the country's ongoing political and economic crises have left it ill-equipped to respond effectively to such emergencies. The lack of robust infrastructure and functioning public institutions means that recovery efforts are likely to be severely hampered, prolonging the suffering of those affected.