Venezuela's Fractured Systems Face Earthquake Crisis

Twin earthquakes on June 24–25 killed 1,430 and left 51,000 missing, but Venezuela's response is constrained by years of institutional decay. Hospitals, emergency services, and roads connecting La Guaira to Caracas have deteriorated through economic contraction and sanctions. Search-and-rescue windows close within 72–96 hours; five days after the first quake, most operations have ended. International aid depends on whether Maduro accepts assistance—a historic friction point amid strained diplomatic ties.