Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has defended the government’s response to the twin earthquakes that struck the country on June 24, saying authorities were working to support affected communities and prevent social unrest.
Speaking during a military ceremony marking Venezuela’s Independence Day, Rodríguez said thousands of public officials and rescue personnel had been deployed to search for survivors and assist victims.
Her remarks came amid criticism from some residents over the pace of the initial emergency response before international rescue teams arrived.
According to Venezuela’s Information Ministry, the death toll from the earthquakes has risen to 3,342, while more than 16,700 people have been injured.