Venezuelans in La Guaira are searching for their loved ones by hand after two massive earthquakes destroyed much of the coastal city. The government’s response to the crisis has been criticized, with many citizens forced to dig through rubble without the aid of heavy machinery due to a lack of fuel.

Government Criticized for Response

Political analyst Carmen Beatriz Fernández said the tragedy is a reflection of the government’s priorities, which have been focused on repression and propaganda rather than providing basic needs. Opposition leader María Corina Machado has announced her return to Venezuela from exile in the US to help with the crisis.

The government has defended its response, with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urging citizens to trust their government and work together to rescue those trapped. However, many citizens are outraged by the government’s handling of the crisis, and the lack of resources and aid has hindered rescue efforts.

Rescue Efforts Continue

Despite the challenges, rescue teams and volunteers are working tirelessly to search for survivors. American volunteer Jack Thorpe, who traveled to Venezuela with Resource Rescue International, said that his team is looking for both life and deceased individuals, and that they have seen people go into “survival mode” and stay alive while waiting for rescue.

Deivis Ramos, who lost his two daughters in the earthquakes, is among those searching for their loved ones. He and other volunteers have been digging through the rubble of his wife’s parents’ apartment building, where they believe their family members may be trapped.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.