'Left on your own': Angry Venezuelans accuse government of negligence and apathy after earthquakes

In the coastal town of La Guaira, Venezuela, the silence of rescue operations is broken only by the desperate calls of families searching for loved ones trapped beneath a collapsed 12-story building. The twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela last week have claimed at least 1,700 lives, and for many, the agonizing wait for rescue is compounded by frustration with the government's response.

Miguel Oscar Nunez, whose 34-year-old son Angel is among those buried, voiced the anger felt by many. "My son, like hundreds of others is trapped under the rubble. But we need more support from authorities urgently to dig them out. It's possible that the earthquake has not killed him, but can you imagine if he is killed because of the negligence of the authorities?" he asked, his face etched with anguish.

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My son, like hundreds of others is trapped under the rubble. But we need more support from authorities urgently to dig them out. It's possible that the earthquake has not killed him, but can you imagine if he is killed because of the negligence of the authorities?

Kevin Montilla, whose wife and teenage daughter were in the building, echoed these sentiments. "The rescue operation started very late and it's been slow. Initially it was only people who live in the community who came in to help. The police just came to check, but they didn't help. The government's response has been frustrating and impotent," he stated. While rescue teams from Venezuela and Colombia were eventually on site, families claim precious days were lost before significant efforts began.

The collapsed structure was part of a government-owned complex, drawing attention to its location. However, families fear that other areas in La Guaira state, equally affected by the earthquakes, have yet to receive any search and rescue attention, leaving many feeling abandoned and left to their own devices.

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The rescue operation started very late and it's been slow. Initially it was only people who live in the community who came in to help. The police just came to check, but they didn't help. The government's response has been frustrating and impotent.