Venezuela Leader Rejects Criticism for Earthquake Response

Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, forcefully defended her government's actions following devastating twin earthquakes, dismissing international criticism as manufactured propaganda. "We did not wait one day, two days or three days. We activated immediately," Rodríguez asserted to foreign journalists, a week after the seismic events struck the oil-rich nation.

Rodríguez characterized the critiques of a slow and disorganized response as "narratives manufactured in propaganda laboratories," deeming it "disgraceful" to politicize such a humanitarian tragedy. She noted that survivors, relatives, and neighbors were often the first responders at collapsed building sites. However, organizations like the International Rescue Committee have stated the response scale does not meet humanitarian needs.

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We did not wait one day, two days or three days. We activated immediately.

The confirmed death toll has climbed to 2,595, with more than 12,400 individuals injured. Thousands remain unaccounted for, and while search and rescue operations persist, hope for finding more survivors is diminishing. Efforts are increasingly focused on recovering the deceased, while thousands continue to live in crowded shelters or outdoors, raising concerns among doctors about potential outbreaks of infectious diseases amid the severe medical crisis.

In terms of recovery, Rodríguez announced that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have agreed to provide financial assistance. Venezuela is establishing a $200 million reconstruction fund with the IMF to help rebuild lost homes. She also expressed gratitude for the support from the United States, acknowledging President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their attentiveness and aid, which includes over $300 million and approximately 900 military personnel deployed to support relief efforts.

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To politicize a humanitarian tragedy like this is disgraceful.