Venezuela's Political Rivals Offer Aid After Devastating Earthquakes

In the wake of devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela's La Guaira coast, the de facto government, led by Delcy Rodríguez, is finding unexpected support from political figures historically at odds with Chavismo. Rodríguez announced a phone conversation with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who pledged to send a rescue brigade. She described the solidarity between their peoples as an "invaluable force" during these difficult times, despite Bukele's long-standing political opposition to the Venezuelan government.

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I had a phone conversation with the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, who will be sending a brigade of rescuers very early.

Similarly, Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa, another historical opponent of the ruling party, was also acknowledged by Rodríguez for announcing aid. She stated that "humanity must always guide a leader's actions," even amidst "enormous differences." These gestures signal a significant shift in regional political dynamics, where humanitarian concerns appear to be temporarily overshadowing long-standing ideological conflicts.

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Solidarity between our peoples is an invaluable force in moments like these.

The article also notes the unusual circumstances surrounding the initial information dissemination. Former US President Donald Trump provided early details about the scale of the earthquakes via social media before Rodríguez's official televised address. Trump's statement indicated the US was "ready, willing and able to help" and had instructed agencies to prepare for rapid action, describing the initial reports as "not good."

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because despite the enormous differences, humanity must always guide a leader's actions.

Rodríguez later provided official figures, though the report suggests these may fall short of the actual devastation, particularly in the La Guaira coastal region, which has a history of natural disasters. The article references the catastrophic mudslides and rockfalls from the Ávila mountain in 1999, which similarly impacted the coastal area.

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The two major earthquakes that have just struck the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths. The U.S. is ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to be ready to act quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. The first reports are not good!