Venezuela Earthquake Rescue Efforts Continue Amid Criticism of Response

Rescuers have been sifting through rubble across Venezuela for eight days following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country, a search that is now yielding diminishing prospects of finding survivors. The twin tremors, which together have claimed more than 2,000 lives, have left extensive damage in multiple regions, prompting a massive, ongoing relief operation that continues to dig for any remaining victims amid increasingly slim odds of finding those still alive.

Amid the disaster, Interim President Delcy Rodríguez dismissed accusations that the government’s response was delayed, rejecting criticism that officials acted too slowly in the aftermath. The administration has defended its actions while facing widespread scrutiny from domestic and international observers regarding the speed and coordination of emergency aid and recovery efforts.