Venezuela Earthquake: Rescuers Face 'Absurd' Delays as Death Toll Rises

A devastating earthquake in Venezuela has claimed at least 920 lives, with fears the toll could be much higher as over 55,000 people remain missing. The disaster has been compounded by bureaucratic hurdles, with Colombian rescuers reporting significant obstacles in gaining entry to the country.

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People, this is a tragedy. This is a state of necessity. This is not a party that requires an invitation.

Fico Gutierrez, the mayor of Medellín, the capital of Colombia's Antioquia department, accused Venezuela of blocking Colombian firefighters from entering to aid in rescue efforts. He stated that his team spent four hours at an airport waiting for permission to enter, describing the situation as "absurd." "People, this is a tragedy. This is a state of necessity. This is not a party that requires an invitation," Gutierrez wrote on social media. He criticized Venezuelan authorities as "arrogant" and "conceited," emphasizing that human lives are at stake.

Similar difficulties have been reported by a British search and rescue team, Serve On International, which is also facing delays. Their team, including a sniffer dog and specialized equipment, is stranded in Madrid awaiting a flight to South America, with commercial airlines reportedly refusing to transport them. The UK's new defense minister, Dan Jarvis, has pledged to look into the matter, expressing his condolences to those affected.

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Poor Venezuela and poor Colombia with these arrogant, conceited people. It's about human lives.

Despite these challenges, international aid is flowing into Venezuela. The Red Cross has provided 17 tons of humanitarian aid, India offered a field hospital and 35 tons of medical supplies, and the United States pledged $150 million, 250 rescuers, and logistical support. Numerous other countries, including El Salvador, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Mexico, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Turkey, have also offered rescue and search teams.

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First, my thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic event in Venezuela.