Death toll rises after Venezuela quakes as anger mounts

Residents of some towns affected by the powerful earthquake say frustration is growing across Venezuela over the lack of aid and coordinated government response in areas hit by the deadly twin quakes.

In El Junquito, a small mountainous region about 33 km west of Caracas where Venezuelans often vacation on weekends, residents say they meet few public officials, while farmers and other residents provide the community with basic supplies.

“We’re waiting for answers, we’re waiting for the debris to be cleared, investigations to be done, and the people who are really affected to be helped,” said Keily Ibarra, a 33-year-old manicurist who led citizens to complain to authorities. He called on the government to do “what needs to be done”.

The commercial center of El Junquito was largely destroyed by earthquakes and collapsed buildings were visible during a Reuters visit. With nowhere else to go, many residents set up tents in the open despite the risk posed by damaged and collapsed buildings nearby.

“We don’t know where we will settle or how long we will stay here,” said Tony Abreu, the owner of a local candy store, who has been living in a tent since the earthquakes because his home and business are unsafe.

Elsewhere, near Maiquetia Airport, a hotel where more than 140 people deported from the United States, including seven children, were staying while they were processed by Venezuelan authorities collapsed in an earthquake, according to two deported families. Most are believed to have been killed.

While various international aid and rescue groups have mobilized to Venezuela, most aid has focused on La Guaira, the hardest-hit state of a country long mired in a deep political and economic crisis.

The international community rallied to help Venezuela cope with the disaster. The oil-rich South American country has received support from 30 countries, including 1,000 metric tons of supplies, more than 3,600 rescue and support workers and 118 search-and-rescue dogs, officials said.

The death toll continued to rise. Jorge Rodríguez, the brother of the acting president and speaker of the National Assembly, on Monday put the confirmed death toll at 1,719, with 5,034 people injured and 15,866 left homeless.

As aftershocks shook the homes of Caracas residents early Monday, rescue teams searched day and night for a fifth day.

A magnitude 4.6 aftershock struck north of Caracas early Monday at a depth of 10 km, according to the US Geological Survey, but Rodriguez said no damage was immediately reported.

It was the latest in hundreds of aftershocks that have shaken national and international rescue efforts since last Wednesday; Each rescue sparked hope as the chances of finding survivors narrowed.

Among the apparent miracles was the rescue of 21-year-old Aaron Levi from a collapsed building in disaster-hit La Guaira state, a rescue operation that lasted 43 hours after being trapped under rubble for 106 hours, according to Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodriguez.

After announcing the updated death toll, Speaker Rodriguez said 15 shelters as well as 50 temporary camps were established in La Guaira to help people affected by the earthquake.

He applauded Venezuelans for their calm and strength and said anger at the government stemmed from misinformation.

“Don’t listen to rumors, don’t let yourself be led by manipulation strategies on social networks or media manipulation that has no purpose other than increasing unrest and anxiety,” said Rodriguez.

“Official information is the only information that will share the truth with you.”