Rescue teams from around the world, including the U.S. and France, are working to locate survivors in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the northern state of La Guaira. The government has reported 1,450 deaths, with thousands more missing.
Rescue Efforts
Despite the passing of time, rescuers continue to free survivors from the rubble, offering hope to anguished families. The first 48 to 72 hours after a natural disaster are considered crucial for retrieving people alive, although this timeframe can be extended if survivors have access to food and water.
Rescue workers have pulled a man and his son from the ruins, and aid agencies are providing support to those affected. The International Organization for Migration estimates that over 6 million people could be affected, with 2 million in the capital, Caracas, alone.
Government Response
The government’s response to the disaster has been criticized, with many Venezuelans feeling that the efforts have been inadequate. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has announced that over 14,000 members of the military and police are patrolling the affected areas, but some have reported seeing little of the government’s presence.
The disaster poses a significant challenge for Rodríguez, who took office in January after the U.S. capture and removal of former President Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela has been facing economic disarray for over a decade, and many people reject the legitimacy of the political movement Rodríguez represents.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
