Venezuela's interim president defends earthquake response amid criticism

Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez has vehemently defended her government's response to the destruction caused by two powerful earthquakes that struck the country's northern coast. Facing widespread criticism for a slow reaction, Rodriguez asserted that her administration acted immediately after the tremors, which devastated the region and killed over 2,000 people.

"We did not wait one, two or three days. We acted immediately," Rodriguez stated during her first press conference since assuming office in January. She explained that an emergency decree was issued within hours of the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes, activating civil protection and emergency protocols. Rodriguez also noted the significant loss of regional officials in La Guaira, the hardest-hit coastal state, where many buildings were reduced to rubble.

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It was a natural tragedy on a scale we never imagined, even though we knew that a seismic event could occur in our country. We did not wait one, two or three days. We acted immediately.

The interim president reported that the death toll had risen to 2,595 and emphasized that search and rescue operations were still active. "We can still find people alive," she told international journalists. While the exact number of missing persons was not detailed, an unofficial online list showed the number had decreased significantly from its peak. State television has shown Rodriguez coordinating with military and security officials, while soldiers and police patrol affected areas.

Despite the government's efforts, many rescuers, including civilians, volunteers, firefighters, and international teams, have been working with limited resources. Many have decried the lack of heavy machinery needed to clear the vast amounts of concrete debris, with some victims resorting to digging with their bare hands, shovels, and pickaxes.

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We can still find people alive.