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NewsTelemundo 51 Miami – MainJuly 3, 2026Miami-Dade

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez Defends Government Earthquake Response Amid Criticism

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has publicly defended her government's response to recent devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, rejecting claims of slow action and inaccurate death tolls. While the government reports 2,295 deaths, international aid efforts are underway, including support from the United States, as the country faces a political transition and infrastructure concerns.

VenezuelaEarthquakeDisaster ResponseHumanitarian AidInternational Relations
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Why It Matters

The government's handling of the disaster and the management of $300 million in U.S. aid and oil revenues are critical to the country's stability as the acting president's 180-day mandate nears its expiration.

Key Facts

  • Official government death toll stands at 2,295 as of Wednesday, with 11,267 injured.
  • The U.S. government has committed over $300 million and deployed 900 military personnel for aid.
  • Acting President Delcy Rodríguez's 180-day mandate is set to expire on Friday.
  • Opposition groups report over 38,000 missing persons via a dedicated website.
  • A 43-year-old man, Hernán Alberto Gil Flores, was rescued after eight days trapped under rubble.
  • Rodríguez claims approximately 80% of collapsed buildings were private sector developments, rejecting allegations of poor social housing construction.
  • The U.S. Department of the Treasury currently controls Venezuelan oil production revenues, which are being made available for aid.
  • The Venezuelan Constitution allows for the vice president to cover temporary absences for up to 90 days, with potential extensions by the National Assembly.

Who's Mentioned

personMarco Rubio“U.S. Secretary of State involved in coordinating support.”locationLa Guaira“State most affected by the earthquakes.”personDelcy Rodríguez“Acting President of Venezuela defending the government's earthquake response.”personMaría Corina Machado“Opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner.”personHernán Alberto Gil Flores“A 43-year-old security guard rescued after eight days under rubble.”personJohn M. Barrett“U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Venezuela.”personNicolás Maduro“Former president of Venezuela, ousted in January.”other900“Number of U.S. military personnel deployed for aid.”personHugo Chávez“Former president of Venezuela associated with social housing projects.”personDonald Trump“President of the United States supporting the current Venezuelan government.”