Venezuela quake response hindered by mistrust

In Venezuela, the response to the recent earthquakes has been shaped by mistrust and government opacity. The earthquakes that struck the country on June 24 left a trail of destruction, with La Guaira being the worst-hit city. In the aftermath, ordinary Venezuelans took the lead in search and rescue efforts, as the government’s response was slow and inadequate.

According to a La Guaira sociologist, who wished to remain anonymous, “people took matters into their own hands and started looking for their friends and families.” This effort sparked an “incredible wave of solidarity” among the community, as people came together to help each other in the face of disaster.

The government’s response to the earthquakes has been widely criticized, with many accusing the authorities of being slow to act and lacking in transparency. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has denied these claims, stating that the government responded immediately and mobilized international cooperation. However, sources on the ground have reported a different story, with many describing the presence of armed personnel who did little to help with rescue efforts.

The lack of information and resources has created significant challenges for those affected by the earthquakes. Citizens have responded by creating collaborative platforms to gather information, map affected buildings, and list missing people. One such platform, terremotovenezuela.com, was founded by Mariangelli Álvarez, who said that the goal is to “identify necessities, give orientation to families, and connect resources.”

The earthquakes have exacerbated an already grave humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. The country has been struggling with inflation, food and medicine shortages, and increasing violence, which has forced over 7.6 million people to seek refuge abroad. The healthcare system, which was already under pressure, has been severely strained by the disaster.

PAHO regional director Jarbas Barbosa has stated that the organization’s response has focused on three immediate priorities: “Saving lives, maintaining the continuity of essential health services, and preventing additional health risks in the coming weeks.”

As the initial rescue efforts have ceased, the focus has shifted to reconstruction and recovery. However, the emotional and social recovery “will take far longer than the initial emergency,” according to Álvarez. The country will also have to address a mental health crisis, with thousands of people having suffered losses, displacement, and uncertainty.

According to Barbosa, recovery must go beyond a simple return to what existed before. ‘It must be an opportunity to build back stronger, safer, more resilient, and better prepare health services for future emergencies,’ he said. However, this will be particularly challenging given the country’s uncertain political future, with no clear plan for the future and a lack of trust in the government.

The sociologist from La Guaira noted that “there is a sense of grief over the loss of institutions, which deepens Venezuela’s humanitarian crisis in every respect.” As the country struggles to come to terms with the disaster, it is clear that the road to recovery will be long and difficult, and will require a sustained effort from both the government and the international community.

The international response, coordinated by PAHO and the World Health Organization, has been essential in providing aid and support to those affected by the earthquakes. Countries such as Brazil, Chile, and China have donated medicine, vaccines, and other essential supplies, while Spain has set up a field hospital in Caracas dedicated to primary healthcare, which includes medical services for those in need.

As the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve, it is essential that the international community remains committed to providing support and aid to those in need. The recovery effort will require a sustained and coordinated response, one that addresses not only the immediate needs of those affected but also the underlying issues that have contributed to the country’s humanitarian crisis, such as the need for ecological support and health services.