Venezuela announces economic measures after earthquakes amid unrest

Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodríguez announced economic aid for families impacted by a double earthquake ten days prior. The measures include a six-month monthly payment for those most affected and a mortgage subsidy of up to 80% through Venezuelan banks. A plan to recover the Maiquetía International Airport, serving Caracas, with unspecified international alliances is also expected next week.

Despite the government's relief efforts, residents in La Guaira, one of the earthquake's epicenters, blocked a main road to Caraballeda. They are demanding relocation to the Las Caracas hotel complex as promised. Other families report a decrease in aid distribution and express concern over the slow recovery of their relatives' bodies, with fewer rescuers remaining.

The death toll has risen to 2,954, with 16,592 injured, according to Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez. At least 6,462 people have been rescued, and 16,309 have lost their homes. While 157 people were reported missing as of Thursday, a civil society website indicates over 31,000 individuals remain unaccounted for.

Infrastructure recovery is underway in La Guaira, with road and bridge repairs ongoing. Telecommunication companies Digitel and Movistar Venezuela are working to restore connectivity, utilizing Starlink and providing free Wi-Fi in shelters. Digitel has recovered 88.9% of its infrastructure in the region, while Movistar reports 70.2% recovery.

Rodríguez also honored and bid farewell to rescuers from seven countries, adding to the nearly twenty nations that sent aid. Hernán Gil, a survivor rescued after eight days, urged rescuers to continue searching for others still alive.

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continue the search for people who, like him, are 'clinging to life,' even though ten days have passed.