The death toll from twin earthquakes that hit Venezuela on Wednesday is rising, compounding the nation's profound political and economic uncertainty. Less than six months after U.S. forces seized former President Nicolás Maduro on drug-trafficking charges, interim President Delcy Rodríguez addressed the nation more than two hours after the tremors, declaring a state of emergency.
Rodríguez, flanked by her brother Jorge Rodríguez and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, called for unity in a country deeply polarized by decades of chavismo. Years of mismanagement, U.S. sanctions, and military control over civilian infrastructure have left public housing and emergency services critically weakened, making the aftermath more lethal.
In a notable departure from Maduro's policy of accepting help only from ideological allies, Rodríguez thanked President Donald Trump for 'constant contact' and offers of support, along with right-wing leaders from the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Chile. For families searching for survivors, this openness brings a glimmer of hope amid devastation.