Venezuela's Interim President Rodriguez Defends Quake Response Amid Criticism
Delcy Rodriguez, who became Venezuela's Interim President in January following Nicolás Maduro's departure, addressed the media for the first time regarding the government's actions after the devastating earthquakes on June 24. The quakes, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, resulted in over 2,000 fatalities, particularly impacting La Guaira. Rodriguez dismissed claims of a delayed governmental response, asserting that resources and personnel increased from 4,000 to 19,000 within 48 hours. Despite this, numerous citizens and rescue teams voiced dissatisfaction, citing insufficient heavy equipment and operational delays. Rodriguez expressed her sorrow after visiting injured children, as search efforts continue for the missing.
Key facts
- Delcy Rodriguez is Venezuela's Interim President after Maduro's capture by the US.
- Two earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck on June 24.
- More than 2,000 people were killed.
- The hardest-hit state is La Guaira.
- Rodriguez claims 4,000 officials deployed immediately, rising to 19,000.
- Critics say government response was slow and ineffectual.
- Aid and heavy machinery are lacking according to rescue teams.
- Thousands remain missing.
Entities
Locations
- Venezuela
- La Guaira