According to reporting by the Associated Press and Reuters, the humanitarian emergency has intensified pressure on Rodríguez’s administration as the official death toll rose to 2,645 on Friday, with more than 12,500 people reported injured. Thousands remain displaced, and search and recovery operations continue in the hardest-hit areas.

The political uncertainty has coincided with the expiration of Rodríguez’s 180-day interim mandate under Venezuela’s constitutional framework. Authorities had not immediately announced whether additional constitutional or legislative steps would follow.

Machado Calls for Return

Speaking from Panama, Machado said the earthquake had exposed weaknesses in the government’s emergency response and argued that she should return to Venezuela to help guide both recovery efforts and the country’s broader political transition.

She said the country needed trusted leadership at a time when many communities had criticized the pace and organization of official rescue operations. Machado’s political movement has also organized volunteers, collected humanitarian donations and established an online registry listing tens of thousands of people reported missing following the disaster.

Government Defends Emergency Response

Rodríguez rejected allegations that authorities reacted too slowly after the earthquakes, insisting emergency protocols were activated immediately and that thousands of civilian and military personnel had been deployed to affected communities.

During her first major news conference since the disaster, she dismissed criticism of the government’s response as politically motivated and said search-and-rescue operations remained active in locations where officials still believed survivors could be found. She also announced the creation of a reconstruction fund to support long-term recovery.

Residents in several affected areas have described a different experience, telling reporters that many neighborhoods relied heavily on volunteers and local residents during the first days after the earthquakes while waiting for heavy equipment and organized rescue teams to arrive.

U.S. Position Adds to Political Tensions

The Associated Press reported that senior U.S. officials, speaking anonymously because they were discussing private diplomatic conversations, said the Trump administration discouraged Machado from returning immediately after the earthquakes.

According to the officials, Washington was concerned that her return during the emergency could trigger political instability while recovery efforts remained underway. The officials also said the United States was not prepared to facilitate her travel, although it could not prevent her from returning independently.

Humanitarian Challenges Continue

International governments and aid organizations have pledged emergency assistance as concerns grow over deteriorating sanitation, damaged infrastructure and the risk of disease outbreaks in affected communities.

Relief agencies continue working to provide medical care, clean water and temporary shelter while search teams recover victims from collapsed buildings. Aid workers have warned that the full humanitarian impact may take weeks or months to assess as recovery operations continue.

The earthquakes represent one of the deadliest natural disasters in Venezuela’s recent history, leaving authorities to balance urgent humanitarian needs with an increasingly complex political landscape as recovery efforts move into a prolonged phase.

Tags: Venezuela, Earthquake, Delcy Rodríguez, María Corina Machado, Humanitarian Crisis, Disaster Response, Caracas, La Guaira, Search and Rescue, Political Transition, Reuters, Associated Press

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Officials say the twin earthquakes killed at least 2,295 people and injured more than 11,000. Thousands of survivors remain without reliable access to clean water or adequate sanitation, conditions aid organizations say could fuel additional deaths in the coming days and weeks if left unaddressed.

Health System Faces Mounting Pressure

Medical workers say the immediate challenge is shifting from treating traumatic injuries to preventing infections among patients exposed to unsafe conditions following the disaster.

Eugenio Cova, head of the trauma unit at Hospital del Oeste Dr. José Gregorio Hernández in Caracas, said doctors expect infections to become an increasingly serious complication as survivors remain exposed to poor sanitary conditions. While trauma cases continue to arrive, he warned that untreated wounds and prolonged exposure increase the likelihood of serious medical complications.

Aid organizations also expressed concern about disease outbreaks in heavily affected communities.

Veronique Durroux, spokesperson for the U.N. humanitarian agency for Latin America and the Caribbean, said hot weather, damaged infrastructure, poor waste disposal, and extensive debris create favorable conditions for vector-borne diseases and other public health risks.

International Relief Efforts Expand

The United States has deployed 900 military personnel to assist relief and rescue operations, according to Steven McLoud, a spokesperson for U.S. Southern Command.

The military has repaired an earthquake-damaged runway at Venezuela’s main international airport serving Caracas, allowing humanitarian flights to resume, while naval assets have been positioned offshore to support evacuation and relief operations. McLoud said an additional 100 personnel from the U.S. State Department have also joined the response.

The Trump administration has committed $300 million in assistance through humanitarian organizations and the United Nations. However, the estimated material damage exceeds $6.7 billion, according to satellite analysis by the U.N. Development Program.

International rescue efforts have also expanded, with 50 teams from multiple countries—including Ecuador and Israel—joining search-and-rescue operations. Rescue crews continue to locate survivors, including a toddler found Tuesday after spending six days trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Longstanding Healthcare Challenges Exposed

The earthquakes have intensified pressure on a healthcare system that had already been weakened by years of economic hardship, underfunding, and the departure of medical professionals.

More than 7.7 million Venezuelans have left the country since 2013, when Nicolás Maduro assumed office during a prolonged economic downturn marked by mismanagement, corruption, and falling oil prices. Medical associations estimate that a significant share of Venezuela’s physicians and nurses were among those who emigrated.

Dr. Huníades Urbina, a board member of Venezuela’s pediatrics association, said the country has roughly half the physicians recommended under World Health Organization standards. He also cited a 2025 national survey showing shortages exceeding 30% of emergency medical supplies and more than 70% of operating room supplies across public hospitals.

According to Urbina, many hospital laboratories are operating only on a limited basis, restricting diagnostic capabilities as patient numbers continue to increase.

Hospitals Struggle to Treat Earthquake Victims

Doctors say hospitals are running short of critical orthopedic equipment, infection-control materials, and other essential medical supplies needed to care for victims with crush injuries.

Cova said his hospital lacks screws, plates, and medicated gauze required for orthopedic procedures. Some surgeries are being performed in makeshift operating areas because portions of the hospital building remain inaccessible following possible structural damage. Medical staff have also turned to social media to request donations of urgently needed supplies.

Government officials said 38 hospitals nationwide sustained damage or were otherwise affected by the earthquakes.

Jaime Lorenzo, director of United Doctors of Venezuela, said the country’s shortage of ambulances forces many injured patients to reach hospitals in pickup trucks rather than emergency vehicles. He also warned that hospitals could soon experience another surge of patients as displaced residents lose access to medications used to manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension.

Questions Surround Disaster Response

The government’s handling of the disaster has drawn increasing public criticism as rescue operations continue and thousands of people remain missing.

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show security personnel removing personal belongings from collapsed buildings, although The Associated Press reported that it could not independently verify the footage.

The Interior Ministry announced Wednesday that four police officers had been dismissed and detained for allegedly exploiting rescue and humanitarian operations.

Families continue searching for missing relatives, with one independent digital database listing more than 40,600 people as unaccounted for as of Wednesday.

During a briefing, Gen. Francis Donovan, head of U.S. Southern Command, rejected accusations that acting President Delcy Rodríguez was politicizing the relief effort. Donovan instead said decades of neglect had significantly complicated the government’s response to a disaster of such magnitude.

Rescue operations remain underway as authorities continue assessing the full humanitarian impact and medical needs following one of Venezuela’s deadliest natural disasters in recent history.

Tags: Venezuela, Caracas, Earthquake, Humanitarian Crisis, Public Health, Hospitals, Healthcare, United Nations, U.S. Southern Command, Delcy Rodríguez, Nicolás Maduro, Disaster Response

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Grian Serrano, 46, was rescued alongside his 8-year-old son and his 69-year-old mother after their eight-story apartment building collapsed in the city of Caraballeda, one of the areas hardest hit by the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes.

Bruised but alive, Serrano described their survival as extraordinary after the family became trapped beneath concrete and twisted steel.

“It is a miracle from God,” Serrano said, recalling how he dug through debris with his bare hands in complete darkness before two passersby helped free his son and mother.

Thousands Affected by Powerful Earthquakes

Government authorities said the twin earthquakes killed more than 1,700 people and injured over 5,000.

Hundreds of buildings either collapsed or sustained significant structural damage, with La Guaira suffering the greatest destruction. Damage was also reported across Caracas and the neighboring states of Carabobo, Miranda, Aragua and Yaracuy.

La Guaira, located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of Caracas, is one of Venezuela’s most strategically important states. It is home to the country’s main international airport and second-largest seaport, while much of its population depends on tourism, commerce and transportation-related industries.

Memories of the 1999 Vargas Tragedy Return

The recent disaster revived painful memories for Serrano of Dec. 15, 1999, when torrential rainfall triggered catastrophic floods and landslides that devastated the region.

He recalled being awakened by screams after a nearby river overflowed, watching from his apartment window as floodwaters swept away trees, enormous boulders and vehicles carrying people desperately trying to escape.

Serrano fled to the roof of his apartment building with his mother, sister and their household employee, fearing the structure would collapse under the force of the rushing water and debris.

When the rain finally eased, the family crossed mud-filled streets littered with fallen trees and rocks to reach relatives living nearby.

According to Ángel Rangel, who directed rescue operations as head of Venezuela’s Civil Protection agency during the disaster, the 1999 floods and landslides claimed 782 lives, left another 2,000 people missing and affected approximately 250,000 residents.

Expert Points to Geological Risks

Still shaken after surviving two major disasters in the same region, Serrano believes La Guaira is cursed.

“It isn’t normal for such horrible things to happen in the same place,” he said.

Disaster specialist Ángel Rangel offered a scientific explanation, saying many buildings in La Guaira were constructed on ground formed over centuries by sediment washed down from the surrounding Ávila mountain range.

He said such terrain presents significant risks for construction and requires strict compliance with seismic-resistant engineering standards introduced after the powerful 1967 earthquake that struck Caracas.

Many of the buildings that collapsed in the recent earthquakes were built during the 1970s, and authorities have not yet determined whether they complied with those engineering requirements.

Looking Ahead After Losing Everything

Having lost his apartment and nearly all of his belongings, Serrano said he remains uncertain about what the future holds for his family.

One decision, however, has already been made.

After surviving two of Venezuela’s deadliest natural disasters in the same coastal region over a span of more than two decades, he says he will never again make La Guaira his home.

“That’s twice now,” Serrano said. “Sometimes I think if there’s a third time, it’s going to win the battle.”

Tags: Venezuela, La Guaira, Caracas, Grian Serrano, Earthquake, Vargas Tragedy, Natural Disaster, Ángel Rangel, Building Collapse, Civil Protection, Seismic Safety, Humanitarian Crisis

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The Venezuelan government said 1,450 people had died in the earthquakes as of Sunday afternoon, while thousands more remained missing. The disaster has also drawn criticism from residents who say civilian volunteers initially played a larger role in rescue efforts than government responders.

Even as emergency experts acknowledge that the first 48 to 72 hours after a major disaster offer the highest likelihood of finding survivors, rescue workers continued to recover people alive from collapsed buildings, providing hope for families still awaiting news of missing relatives.

International Rescue Operations Expand

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Sunday evening that search operations would continue despite the passing of the critical rescue window.

Government officials said more than 2,600 rescue personnel from multiple countries had arrived in Venezuela, bringing specialized search equipment, heavy machinery, and trained rescue dogs to assist operations in the country’s hardest-hit areas.

“It’s been incredibly hard work, but we’re going strong,” civilian volunteer Jason Mercano said as he described working alongside rescue teams after maintaining communication with relatives trapped beneath the rubble.

“We’ve never given up hope,” he added.

Scale of Destruction Becomes Clearer

Authorities said more than 770 buildings were either partially or completely destroyed, roughly double the number reported damaged or collapsed two days earlier.

The United Nations estimated that up to 6.8 million people could be affected by the earthquakes, which measured magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 when they struck last Wednesday.

Aftershocks continued on Sunday, including earthquakes measuring magnitudes 4.2 and 4.5, raising concerns about additional structural damage and complicating rescue efforts.

Government officials also reported that more than 14,000 military and police personnel had been deployed across La Guaira state, where access remained restricted through a permit system.

Families Continue Search for Missing Loved Ones

Communication difficulties caused by damaged infrastructure have prompted many Venezuelans to rely on independent online databases to report missing relatives.

One such platform had received reports involving more than 50,000 missing people, although it remained unclear how many individuals had since been located.

Scenes across La Guaira reflected both hope and grief as rescue operations continued.

Rescue teams from Venezuela, the United States, and France successfully pulled a man and his son alive from beneath collapsed concrete, drawing applause from nearby crowds before both survivors were transferred to an ambulance for emergency medical treatment.

Elsewhere in the city, Helen Guedez said her family continued trying to rescue her father, Jesús, who remained trapped beneath their collapsed apartment building.

Guedez said rescue personnel from the United States confirmed that her father was still alive but determined the structure was too unstable to enter safely. She said civilian volunteers and local miners had continued attempting to reach him.

“We’re not going to give up,” Guedez said. “The rest of the team is willing to continue. They know there’s another way to get him out and they said they’re going to keep working until the very end.”

Hospitals Face Heavy Demand

Health facilities also continued treating large numbers of injured residents.

At Domingo Luciani Hospital in Caracas, anesthesiologist Leomery Pérez said donations from the public had helped the hospital manage an influx of patients despite longstanding shortages within Venezuela’s public health system.

Authorities said more than 3,100 injured people had received treatment, including many suffering crush injuries.

Disaster Presents Political and Humanitarian Challenge

The earthquake response has become a major test for acting President Rodríguez, who assumed office in January following the removal of former President Nicolás Maduro by the United States, according to the supplied source material.

Researcher Ronal Rodríguez of the Venezuelan Observatory at the University of Rosario said the disaster has compounded existing political and humanitarian challenges facing the country.

Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization for Migration, warned that the disaster could accelerate displacement from Venezuela, where millions of people have already left the country over the past decade.

Rodríguez announced the creation of a special government commission to assess damage to homes and infrastructure while determining whether displaced residents could safely return.

She said authorities would continue searching for survivors as rescue operations moved into a fifth day.

“Today we recovered people who are still alive,” Rodríguez said. “We always maintain hope.”

Tags: Venezuela, La Guaira, Earthquake, Natural Disaster, Search and Rescue, Delcy Rodríguez, United Nations, International Organization for Migration, Humanitarian Crisis, Emergency Response, Caracas, Aftershocks

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Officials said the confirmed death toll had risen to 1,430, while families reported approximately 68,900 people remained missing three days after the back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude devastated large parts of the country. The figures were reported by Venezuelan authorities and referenced by families searching for missing relatives.

With the critical early rescue window narrowing, emergency crews from several countries joined local responders in searching collapsed buildings. Aid organizations have identified the first 48 to 72 hours after a major earthquake as the period when rescue efforts are generally most likely to locate survivors, although that timeframe can extend when trapped individuals have access to food or water.

International Assistance Expands

Venezuelan officials stated that 17 aircraft carrying more than 1,600 rescue personnel had arrived in the country by Saturday. Search-and-rescue teams from Mexico, the United States, Brazil, El Salvador, France and other nations were deployed to affected communities, working alongside Venezuelan emergency responders.

In heavily damaged neighborhoods, rescuers searched unstable structures using specialized equipment while residents continued clearing debris with shovels, ropes, heavy machinery and, in many cases, their bare hands. Mexican rescue personnel were seen calling into collapsed buildings in an effort to locate anyone still alive beneath the rubble.

The arrival of foreign rescue teams provided renewed optimism for many residents who had spent days searching independently for relatives and neighbors.

Public Frustration Grows

Despite the expanding international response, frustration continued to mount among residents who said official assistance had not matched the scale of the disaster.

Some communities reported seeing limited government personnel during the first days of rescue efforts, while others criticized what they viewed as an insufficient emergency response. Several residents interviewed at disaster sites alleged that emergency operations had been delayed, although those claims could not be independently verified.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said on state television that more than 14,000 military personnel and police officers had been deployed to secure the affected area, where authorities introduced access restrictions requiring special permits to enter.

Search Continues Under Difficult Conditions

Search operations continued in extremely challenging conditions as aftershocks persisted and damaged buildings remained unstable.

Dust-covered neighborhoods, high temperatures and the growing presence of decomposing bodies complicated recovery efforts throughout La Guaira. Temporary identification areas were established where recovered victims were being processed before transfer.

Some survivors were successfully rescued from collapsed structures, offering moments of hope amid widespread devastation. One elderly survivor was pulled from the remains of a public housing building and transported for medical treatment, while additional rescues involving both Venezuelan and foreign teams highlighted the continuing search for people believed to remain trapped.

According to Salvadoran authorities, one rescued woman requested a soft drink after being freed from the debris. Telemundo also reported the rescue of an 18-day-old infant after an extended search operation.

Humanitarian Impact Widens

The International Organization for Migration estimated that more than six million people could ultimately be affected by the disaster, including around two million residents in the capital, Caracas.

Experts cited in the source material said the severe destruction was intensified by the rapid succession of two shallow earthquakes. Smaller aftershocks continued to shake parts of Venezuela, including a magnitude 4.8 tremor reported on Saturday.

Damage also affected critical infrastructure. Simón Bolívar International Airport, which serves Caracas, sustained significant damage, although one runway remained operational.

Jeremy Lewin, a senior U.S. State Department official responsible for foreign assistance, said American teams were helping restore airport operations while a U.S. Navy transport ship remained stationed offshore to receive injured survivors requiring medical care. Lewin described the ongoing operation as a “race against the clock” as rescue teams continued searching for those still trapped.

Recovery Effort Faces Long-Term Challenge

The disaster presents a significant humanitarian and logistical challenge for Venezuela as emergency operations transition from immediate rescue efforts toward longer-term recovery.

Tags: Venezuela, La Guaira, Earthquake, Caracas, International Rescue, Humanitarian Crisis, Delcy Rodríguez, International Organization for Migration, Disaster Response, Search and Rescue, Latin America, Foreign Aid

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Nearly two days after the powerful 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck within seconds of each other, authorities reported at least 920 deaths, more than 3,300 injuries, and over 51,000 people listed as missing. Officials cautioned that missing-person reports may include duplicate entries and individuals who remain unreachable because telecommunications have been disrupted.

As hopes of finding survivors diminish with each passing hour, families continue digging through debris with hand tools while waiting for additional heavy equipment and specialized rescue teams.

Residents search through rubble for loved ones

In La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit areas, neighbors worked together to break apart collapsed concrete structures using hammers and power tools in an effort to reach those believed trapped beneath the rubble.

Nazareth Jimenez watched the rescue attempts while waiting for news of several family members, including siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends.

“My God, how are we going to get them out of there?” she said, urging authorities and the international community to provide heavy machinery capable of lifting collapsed buildings.

“There are still people alive in there,” she added.

Humanitarian organizations consider the first 48 to 72 hours after a major earthquake the most critical period for rescuing survivors, although those chances can improve if trapped individuals have access to food and water.

Government tightens access to disaster zone

On Friday evening, Venezuelan authorities announced new restrictions on access to La Guaira, citing growing traffic congestion and disorder that officials said were interfering with ongoing rescue operations.

Government officials said individuals seeking to enter the disaster zone would now require official authorization, although they did not immediately provide details regarding permit requirements or eligibility.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez acknowledged the scale of the disaster, saying authorities would remain transparent about the situation.

“Each person saved is a miracle,” Rodríguez said. “We are not going to hide absolutely anything about the magnitude of this tragedy.”

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said the government had mobilized emergency resources during what she described as the critical phase for locating survivors and welcomed the arrival of international rescue teams and humanitarian assistance.

However, many residents said the assistance reaching affected communities remained insufficient compared with the scale of the destruction.

Humanitarian crisis deepens

The earthquakes have compounded Venezuela’s existing economic and humanitarian challenges.

The International Organization for Migration estimated that as many as 6.76 million people may have been affected by the disaster, including roughly 2 million residents of Caracas.

Many displaced families continue sleeping outdoors while searching for missing relatives or mourning those confirmed dead.

Omar Reyes said approximately 20 members of his extended family died in the earthquakes.

“I’ve been left alone in this life,” he said while standing near the collapsed remains of a building where two of his children were believed to be buried.

Across affected communities, long lines formed outside grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience shops as businesses rationed customer access amid continuing shortages.

In Catia La Mar, some residents looted food and household supplies from damaged stores while others gathered around aid vehicles distributing bread and drinking water before soldiers restored order.

Temporary shelters made from tarps, hammocks, and tents also appeared in parking lots and public spaces throughout the disaster zone.

Rescue operations face logistical challenges

Emergency workers from Venezuela and abroad continued searching damaged buildings despite difficult operating conditions.

Officials said heavy traffic and large crowds repeatedly disrupted rescue efforts as first responders attempted to detect signs of life beneath collapsed structures.

Mexican rescue personnel and volunteers frequently requested silence while conducting acoustic searches, but passing vehicles and motorcycles often drowned out potential sounds from trapped survivors.

Authorities said 243 people had been rescued alive as of Friday afternoon.

Families continue waiting for answers

Among those awaiting news was Yuleidy Cadenas, who fled barefoot from a nearby building during the earthquakes only to discover that her mother’s 12-story apartment building had collapsed.

Standing near the rubble, she waited for information about her son, mother, and brother.

“I got on top of the rubble and told them to yell back, and nobody did,” Cadenas said. “I’m just here waiting for them.”

Moments later, rescue workers recovered another body from the debris, but it was not her mother’s.

Friday also marked her son’s 12th birthday.

International assistance expands

Venezuelan authorities said 861 international rescue personnel from countries including Mexico, the United States, El Salvador, Switzerland, and Colombia had joined emergency operations, with additional teams expected to arrive in the coming days.

The United Nations said approximately 1,000 emergency responders organized into 25 international search-and-rescue teams were deploying to Venezuela.

Acting President Rodríguez also said she spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed U.S. support for dispatching additional rescue teams and emergency equipment.

Meanwhile, convoys carrying emergency personnel, military units, heavy machinery, and humanitarian supplies continued moving toward the disaster zone as rescue efforts entered another critical day.

Tags: Venezuela, Earthquake, La Guaira, Caracas, Search and Rescue, Humanitarian Crisis, Disaster Response, International Aid, Delcy Rodríguez, United Nations, Emergency Response, Missing Persons

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The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck Venezuela just 39 seconds apart on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction in Caracas and neighboring regions. Hundreds of buildings suffered severe structural damage, while the death toll has climbed into the hundreds and is expected to increase as emergency crews search through collapsed structures.

The disaster has created a new humanitarian challenge in a country already struggling with years of economic hardship. Before the earthquakes, humanitarian agencies estimated that nearly 8 million Venezuelans required assistance, while more than half of the population was living in extreme poverty.

Families forced to create makeshift shelters

For many residents, vehicles have become temporary homes as they wait for government officials to determine whether damaged buildings remain safe.

Francisco Quintero, a musician from Caracas, said his family now spends each night near their aging car after evacuating their apartment building. His children sleep inside the vehicle while the trunk houses the family’s pet parakeet and several turtles.

Quintero said adults in the family search each evening for somewhere nearby to rest while they wait for authorities to decide what assistance may become available.

Across the capital and surrounding communities, similar scenes have emerged as displaced residents gather beneath trees, on roadside shoulders, and in public parks with only a few personal belongings.

Hard-hit communities struggle with uncertainty

In the coastal state of Guaira, one of the areas most heavily affected by the earthquakes, families have occupied a baseball field after losing their homes.

Alexandra Martínez, who arrived with her two children, said her apartment suffered catastrophic structural damage.

“The apartment is completely wrecked,” she said. “The walls, the kitchen, everything, are destroyed. It split right down the middle.”

Many displaced residents have spread blankets across open ground or sought shade beneath trees while waiting for emergency assistance.

Residents await safety inspections

In Caracas, thousands of people remain reluctant to return to homes that are still standing but show visible signs of structural damage.

Desiré Gil said she and her family have been sleeping in a grassy public plaza because they fear their apartment building could collapse.

“We have nowhere to live,” she said. “This is the only option we have for the moment.”

Gil explained that although their building remains standing, sections of the structure have begun crumbling, making it too dangerous to occupy.

Many residents are waiting for Venezuela’s civil protection agency to inspect damaged buildings before deciding whether they can safely return home.

However, authorities have not announced when widespread inspections will begin, as emergency services remain focused on rescue operations in the country’s hardest-hit regions.

According to officials, at least 920 people have died and more than 3,300 have been injured, while thousands more remain unaccounted for.

Hospitals and shelters face growing pressure

The earthquakes have also strained Venezuela’s healthcare system.

Gil said her pregnant daughter experienced contractions and sought treatment at a local hospital but was turned away because part of the maternity ward had collapsed and medical facilities were already overwhelmed by earthquake victims.

The Ministry of Education announced that some school buildings would be converted into temporary shelters, although officials have not confirmed how many facilities will be available for displaced families.

For now, many survivors say they have little choice but to remain outdoors until longer-term housing arrangements are established.

Older buildings face heightened seismic risk

Engineering experts said much of the destruction reflects the age of Venezuela’s building stock.

Civil engineer and university professor José Rangel said more than half of Caracas was constructed before the country’s updated seismic building code was introduced in 1982.

He told state television that buildings erected before those standards were implemented remain particularly vulnerable during major earthquakes.

Rangel said engineers had already been developing plans to strengthen schools, hospitals, bridges, and other essential infrastructure before the disaster struck.

He emphasized that evaluating damaged buildings will likely require weeks and urged engineers and architects across the country to participate in inspection efforts.

“The causes of the collapse must be determined,” Rangel said. “It’s how we learn lessons after an earthquake.”

Long recovery expected for displaced communities

Among those awaiting inspections is Magaly Noguera, whose high-rise apartment building sustained damage during the earthquakes.

She recalled sheltering with family members beneath a kitchen doorway before making what felt like an endless descent down the building’s stairwell to safety.

“I don’t want to be in my house,” she said.

Noguera and her family now sleep outdoors near a government building alongside many other displaced residents.

Elsewhere across Caracas, families continue carrying mattresses, blankets, and whatever possessions they managed to save as they search for safe places to spend the night while Venezuela begins what is expected to be a lengthy recovery process.

Tags: Venezuela, Caracas, Earthquake, Humanitarian Crisis, Natural Disaster, Guaira, Search and Rescue, Housing, Emergency Response, Seismic Safety, Infrastructure, Displaced Families

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The directive reportedly came as the White House seeks to stabilize Venezuela following the capture and removal of former President Nicolás Maduro earlier this year during a U.S. military-backed operation that dramatically reshaped the country’s political landscape.

According to AP reporting, Rodríguez had long appeared in Drug Enforcement Administration records related to alleged drug trafficking and money laundering investigations dating back to at least 2018, although she has never been formally charged in the United States.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Justice Department denied that any active investigation existed, stating in an email to AP that “there was never an investigation into her to shut down.”

Washington Warms Relations With Caracas

The reported move comes amid a broader thaw in relations between Washington and Venezuela’s interim government after the Trump administration recognized Rodríguez as the country’s acting leader following Maduro’s capture.

President Donald Trump previously described Rodríguez as a “terrific person” shortly after Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were transported to New York to face federal narcotics charges. Maduro and Flores have pleaded not guilty in U.S. court proceedings.

The AP report said pausing scrutiny of Rodríguez was intended in part to avoid undermining efforts to reopen Venezuela to U.S. investment and stabilize governance in the oil-producing nation.

Sanctions targeting Rodríguez have also reportedly been eased as the administration attempts to rebuild diplomatic and economic ties with Caracas.

Critics Raise Concerns Over Justice Department Independence

The development has prompted criticism from legal experts and some U.S. lawmakers, who questioned whether criminal investigations are being influenced by diplomatic priorities.

Former federal prosecutor Duncan Levin told AP it would be “deeply troubling” if investigators were instructed to halt legitimate inquiries for political reasons.

AP also reported that the administration recently slowed or eased scrutiny involving Colombian President Gustavo Petro, another Latin American leader who had reportedly appeared in DEA investigations.

Justice Department policy generally requires approval from the U.S. attorney general before charges can be brought against foreign heads of state, who are typically protected under international legal norms.

Venezuela’s Political Future Remains Uncertain

The policy shift unfolds as Venezuela continues navigating political uncertainty after Maduro’s removal from power. The United States has expanded its engagement with Rodríguez’s interim administration while opposition groups continue demanding broader democratic reforms and future elections.

Opposition leader María Corina Machado recently stated she intends to return from exile and contest future presidential elections, arguing Venezuela still requires internationally recognized democratic guarantees.

Details surrounding any remaining federal inquiries involving Venezuelan officials remain unclear, and authorities have not publicly disclosed whether the reported directive applies beyond Miami-based prosecutors.

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The flight, operated by American Airlines subsidiary Envoy Air, departed Miami and arrived in Caracas on Thursday, restoring nonstop service that had been suspended since 2019 due to security concerns and diplomatic breakdowns.

According to reporting from The Associated Press, the resumption follows a series of rapid political developments, including the reopening of the U.S. embassy in Caracas and the restoration of full diplomatic ties between Washington and Venezuelan authorities.

Diplomatic Reopening Drives Aviation Breakthrough

The restart of direct flights reflects a broader diplomatic thaw after years of strained relations. U.S. authorities had imposed an indefinite suspension on flights in 2019, citing safety concerns amid Venezuela’s political crisis.

Recent policy shifts—including decisions by the administration of Donald Trump to reopen Venezuelan airspace—have paved the way for renewed connectivity. Officials told Reuters that the move is part of wider efforts to reestablish economic and political engagement with Caracas following months of geopolitical realignment.

The development is also linked to broader changes in Venezuela’s political landscape earlier this year, which prompted Washington to recalibrate its approach toward the country.

Economic and Mobility Links Reconnect

The return of direct air service is expected to significantly improve mobility for Venezuelan diaspora communities and facilitate business travel between the two countries. For years, passengers were forced to rely on indirect routes through third countries, increasing costs and travel times.

Airline officials indicated that demand is being driven by both family reunification and commercial opportunities, particularly in sectors such as energy and mining. A second daily flight between Miami and Caracas is scheduled to begin later in May, reflecting expectations of sustained demand.

Passengers on the inaugural flight described the moment as a major breakthrough, highlighting the social and economic importance of restoring direct connections between the two nations.

Strategic Implications for Regional Engagement

The resumption of flights signals a broader shift in U.S. policy toward Latin America, where Venezuela has long been a focal point of diplomatic tension. Analysts say the move could open pathways for increased trade, investment, and political dialogue, while also reshaping regional dynamics.

Officials cited by Reuters noted that the restored air link is part of a wider effort to reintegrate Venezuela into international economic systems, potentially encouraging further reforms and cooperation.

However, some observers caution that while the reopening of travel routes marks progress, deeper structural and political challenges in Venezuela remain unresolved.

International Outlook and Future Developments

The return of direct flights represents a tangible outcome of renewed diplomatic engagement, but its long-term impact will depend on sustained political stability and continued cooperation between Washington and Caracas.

As additional flights are introduced and restrictions continue to ease, policymakers and businesses will be closely watching whether the reopening translates into broader economic recovery and regional integration.

For now, the restored air corridor stands as a visible sign of shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Americas—linking two countries that, until recently, had been largely disconnected both diplomatically and logistically.

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The measure, signed Thursday by acting president Delcy Rodríguez, follows a period of political upheaval and international pressure. It opens a legal pathway for opposition politicians, activists, journalists and others to seek relief for offenses tied to political conflicts dating back to 1999.

If fully implemented, the legislation could reshape Venezuela’s political landscape and ease tensions that have defined the country’s governance for years.

Legislative approval and political context

Rodríguez signed the bill into law hours after it cleared the legislature. Speaking during the ceremony, she said the measure reflected a willingness among political leaders to reduce polarization and “open new avenues for politics in Venezuela.”

The approval comes after a dramatic period in national politics, including last month’s U.S. military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of then-President Nicolás Maduro. The raid marked an extraordinary intervention in Venezuelan affairs and triggered a rapid reconfiguration of political authority inside the country.

In the weeks since, the new administration has moved swiftly on several fronts, including changes to oil industry regulations in line with directives from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. The amnesty law represents the most consequential domestic political reform announced so far.

Scope of the amnesty

The law grants a “general and full amnesty” for crimes or offenses committed during periods of politically driven conflict since 1999. That includes incidents linked to unrest surrounding the 2024 presidential election, whose disputed aftermath sparked protests and a broad crackdown.

More than 2,000 people were detained following those protests, according to authorities at the time, including minors. Human rights organizations have long argued that many of those arrests were politically motivated.

The legislation does not automatically free detainees but establishes a framework under which eligible individuals may petition for relief. It also allows people who left Venezuela to avoid detention to request amnesty through legal representation, a compromise reached after lawmakers debated whether they should be required to return in person.

That provision resolved a key sticking point in legislative discussions. Some ruling-party loyalists had opposed granting relief to those who fled the country, reflecting persistent internal divisions over how far reconciliation should go.

Opposition reaction and human rights concerns

For years, opposition leaders and civil society groups have demanded a broad amnesty as a first step toward restoring political freedoms. The government had consistently rejected claims that it held political prisoners, describing detainees as individuals charged with criminal offenses.

Opposition lawmaker Nora Bracho welcomed the legislation during debate, calling it “a great step forward,” while acknowledging it was not flawless. Her comments reflected cautious optimism shared by many activists who have pressed for releases but remain concerned about implementation.

The Venezuela-based advocacy group Foro Penal estimates that more than 600 people are currently detained for political reasons. In the days after Maduro’s capture, Rodríguez’s administration announced that a substantial number of prisoners would be freed. Foro Penal says 448 releases have been recorded so far, though families and watchdog groups have criticized what they describe as a slow and uneven process.

Outside detention centers in recent days, relatives of detainees have gathered in hopes of news. A small group began a hunger strike over the weekend, underscoring the urgency felt by families awaiting confirmation of releases.

A break with past policy

The passage of the amnesty law marks a notable departure from the state’s longstanding refusal to acknowledge politically motivated detentions. Since the early years of the Bolivarian government under Maduro and his predecessor, officials have maintained that all detainees were prosecuted under criminal statutes.

By establishing a formal amnesty mechanism tied explicitly to political conflicts, the new law effectively recognizes that some prosecutions were connected to political activity. That acknowledgment could have broader implications for reconciliation efforts and for Venezuela’s international standing.

Whether the measure will lead to comprehensive releases remains uncertain. Much will depend on administrative procedures, judicial cooperation and political will in the weeks ahead.

For families who have waited years, however, the law offers a tangible — if cautious — sign of change.

Source: AP News – Venezuela approves amnesty that could release of hundreds detained for political reasons

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