Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has defended the Venezuelan government’s emergency response to the earthquakes that struck the nation last week, confirming the death toll has reached 2,595 people. Rodriguez, who holds power with U.S. backing, rejected criticism regarding the speed and distribution of humanitarian aid in the disaster’s aftermath.
Government Defense of Disaster Response
In a public address, Rodriguez characterized the state’s mobilization efforts as sufficient given the scale of the seismic event. She dismissed allegations of administrative negligence, stating that emergency teams reached the most affected areas within the first 48 hours following the initial tremors.
The acting president’s comments arrive amid reports of significant infrastructure failure, including the collapse of residential buildings and critical transport arteries. Critics and local aid organizations have questioned the centralized nature of the relief efforts, suggesting that bureaucratic hurdles have delayed the arrival of medical supplies and heavy machinery in remote regions. Rodriguez countered these claims by emphasizing the complexity of the terrain and the necessity of coordinating international assistance through official state channels.
Casualty Figures and Recovery Operations
The death toll of 2,595 represents the most recent official count provided by the Venezuelan Ministry of Interior and Justice. Search and rescue operations continue in the hardest-hit provinces, where emergency personnel are working to clear debris and locate survivors.
International aid agencies, including the Red Cross and various regional humanitarian groups, have begun arriving in the country to support the government’s recovery operations. While the administration has welcomed foreign logistical support, it remains firm on maintaining oversight of all distribution networks.
Diplomatic Stance on International Aid
The government’s decision to maintain control over the disaster response has created a friction point with several international donors. While the U.S. and other nations have pledged resources, the requirement that all aid pass through federal government agencies remains a point of contention.
The acting president has maintained that the current structure is necessary to ensure the security of aid supplies and prevent unauthorized distribution. As of this morning, no formal agreement has been reached to decentralize the relief effort, and the government has not announced a transition toward independent distribution channels. Recovery teams are currently scheduled to continue their search for survivors in the affected zones for the next 72 hours.
