Venezuela’s earthquakes pose first major test for President Delcy Rodriguez

What Happened

Following twin earthquakes on Wednesday evening, the death toll in Venezuela has reached approximately 1,500, with 50,000 people reported missing on a crowdsourcing platform. President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency and requested international aid, but the response has been widely criticised as slow and inadequate. Reports indicate that the government has restricted access to affected areas like La Guaira, and a team of Colombian firefighters was reportedly detained at the airport near Caracas. Public frustration is mounting due to the perceived absence of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) in rescue operations, contrasting with their heavy presence during the 2024 post-election period.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The disaster serves as a critical stress test for the Rodriguez administration following the January 3, 2025, removal of Nicolas Maduro by a US military operation. The crisis highlights the erosion of state infrastructure and the government's continued reliance on restrictive measures, such as the 2024 law targeting nongovernmental organisations, which has hindered independent humanitarian relief efforts.

Watch For

Monitor the ongoing deployment of international rescue teams from El Salvador, Spain, Qatar, and the United States, and whether the government eases access restrictions for humanitarian aid and independent journalists in La Guaira and Falcon. Additionally, observe if the perceived failure of the state to provide disaster relief triggers further civil unrest or shifts in the loyalty of the military and security apparatus.