Venezuela's Government Defends Earthquake Response Amid Public Anger Over Early Delays

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez defended Venezuela's handling of the June 24 twin earthquakes on July 5, asserting "deep social solidarity" and rapid deployment of rescue teams. The death toll stands at 3,342 as of July 4. Yet many Venezuelans remain critical, citing delays before international rescue teams arrived on June 28 and insufficient early state support when residents largely managed victim recovery themselves. The political tension reflects broader distrust amid Venezuela's economic crisis.