Aftershock frays nerves as many Venezuelans left to fend for themselves
Residents of El Junquito, a mountainous region west of Caracas, told Reuters they saw few public officials, while farmers and other residents provided the community with basic supplies.
“We’re waiting for answers, for the debris to be cleared, for investigations and for the people who are really affected to be helped,” resident Keily Ibarra, 33, told Reuters.
On Monday, Rodríguez said more than 25,000 emergency workers, police officers and soldiers were assisting Venezuelans affected by the earthquake.
“Every life saved is a victory for hope,” he shared on social media platform X.
He also announced that a commission to be chaired by his brother, National Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodríguez, would be established to assess the damage.
Speaking on state television, he said the group would determine who could return home by using a colour-coded traffic light system to classify security. In the meantime, temporary camps have been established to accommodate the displaced, he added.
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele announced on Monday that the rescued 21-year-old was found in the town of Caraballeda by teams from Venezuela, Mexico and El Salvador.
Bukele said the man, Aaron Levi Cantillo Vargas, received specialized medical care and that rescuers “will continue to work in the hope of saving more lives.”
Gianluca Rampolla Del Tindaro, the UN’s resident humanitarian coordinator, said on Monday that there had been more than 500 aftershocks and that at least 2,500 structures were affected by Wednesday’s initial quakes, many of which had completely collapsed.
Stating that the UN obtained 10,000 body bags within the scope of the rescue operation, the official said that an increase in the death toll was inevitable.
“It’s very sad and we really hope the number will be smaller than that and that’s why we’re focusing on the rescue operation right now,” he said.
Meanwhile, more international aid has been promised. The US announced it would provide more than $300 million (£227 million) to help Venezuela; This is an increase over its previous commitment of $150 million.
“These funds will provide emergency medical care, food assistance, water and sanitation, shelter, protection and logistics,” the US State Department said.
The US military repaired and reopened the Port of La Guaira to speed up aid distribution; The frigate USS Fort Lauderdale is currently anchored and offering support.
Sailors and marines were seen using landing and amphibious craft to deliver aid to the hardest-hit coastal areas.
The Netherlands also said it would send a ship carrying emergency supplies, while China promised about $15 million in aid.
