Key facts
- The death toll from twin earthquakes in Venezuela has surpassed 3,000, with over 16,700 injured.
- Interim President Delcy Rodríguez defended the country's emergency response.
- Many Venezuelans expressed anger over the perceived inadequate initial response before international aid arrived.
- The earthquakes caused widespread building collapses, leaving thousands homeless.
- Overwhelmed hospitals and funeral homes are creating difficulties for grieving families.
- Forensic technicians anticipate the necessity of mass graves due to the large number of unidentified bodies.
Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has defended the nation's emergency response to twin earthquakes that have claimed over 3,000 lives and injured more than 16,700 people. Speaking at a military ceremony, Rodríguez vowed that the country would not descend into social unrest, highlighting "deep social solidarity" amidst the disaster.
However, many Venezuelans have voiced anger regarding the perceived inadequacy of the initial response before international rescue teams arrived. The earthquakes, which struck on June 24, caused widespread building collapses, particularly affecting the coastal La Guaira area, leaving thousands homeless.
International rescue operations are winding down, while families continue to grapple with the recovery and burial of loved ones. Stories have emerged of overwhelmed hospitals and funeral homes, with one family struggling to afford a burial for a victim found days after the quake. Forensic technicians are anticipating the need for mass graves as the number of unidentified bodies grows, with some estimating they will be collecting remains for up to three months.