Venezuela's earthquake response criticized for disorganization and delays

The handling of a recent earthquake crisis in Venezuela has drawn sharp public criticism due to perceived chaos and delays in the government's response. Unnamed sources with knowledge of the crisis management told Reuters that delayed orders within the military and a lack of basic equipment hampered the deployment of soldiers in the critical first days after two powerful earthquakes struck the country.

These sources described a general confusion, stating, "There was no plan, and the chain of command was weak. Many people simply didn't know what to do." This disorganization reportedly affected the timely arrival of international rescue teams, who arrived within the first 48 hours but lost valuable time due to the lack of clear direction. The final death toll is expected to be significantly higher than the current count of at least 5,100, according to experts from the U.S. Geological Survey.

While Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, asserted that 4,000 personnel were deployed immediately after the disaster, residents on the ground reported seeing very few military personnel or police in the streets during the initial hours. Civilians largely led the initial rescue efforts, using rudimentary tools to pull victims from the rubble and providing their own food during the first two days.

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There was no plan, and the chain of command was weak. Many people simply didn't know what to do.

Some soldiers who participated in the rescue efforts claimed they volunteered and did not receive direct orders. This contrasts with the government's narrative and highlights a potential disconnect between official statements and the reality faced by those involved in the response. Critics question the military's readiness to save lives, drawing parallels to its swift deployment during protests over the past decade.

Ana Guedez, a 34-year-old resident helping clear rubble, voiced this sentiment: "When we went out to demonstrate, it seemed like they could deploy very quickly. But they can't deploy to save people's lives?" The report also notes that former President Nicolás Maduro expanded the military leadership, creating numerous general positions with increased powers, yet lower-ranking soldiers often receive low pay and lack essential equipment, further complicating disaster response.

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When we went out to demonstrate, it seemed like they could deploy very quickly. But they can't deploy to save people's lives?