In her second public address since two powerful earthquakes jolted northern Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon, Delcy Rodríguez called for "national unity" and delivered the first official report of 32 deaths and over 700 injuries treated in both public and private hospitals.
However, the most recent figures indicate a rise to at least 164 fatalities and 971 injuries. The acting president spoke early Thursday morning following the conclusion of a meeting to establish the Emergency Response Task Force.
Assessing the Disaster's Impact
"Good evening, we have just concluded the initial meeting to establish the Emergency Response Task Force following the devastating impact of two consecutive high-magnitude earthquakes," Rodríguez began her address.
She was forthright about the hardest-hit area: "The most severely affected state by this unprecedented seismic event is La Guaira. Numerous buildings have collapsed, and we are currently engaged in intense rescue operations to save as many lives as possible."
"La Guaira is a true catastrophe and has become a disaster zone," she added.
Rodríguez noted that the states of Miranda, La Guaira, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcón "were significantly impacted" by the earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5, occurring just a minute apart.
The United States Geological Survey issued a maximum Red Alert and estimated a 42% chance that fatalities could exceed 10,000 individuals.
International Assistance and Gratitude to Trump
Rodríguez announced the imminent arrival of rescue teams and specifically thanked the U.S. government:
"I want to express my gratitude to President Donald Trump and his administration, who have been in constant contact with the Venezuelan government, offering support and solidarity. We will be receiving rescue teams in the coming hours."
She also mentioned phone conversations with Dominican President Luis Abinader and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, both of whom confirmed the dispatch of rescue brigades. Qatar has a team ready to arrive on Thursday. "I want to thank the governments worldwide that have reached out in solidarity after the earthquakes: the United States, Panama, Qatar, Ecuador, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico. Also, the United Nations and international financial organizations," she listed, notably omitting any mention of Cuba offering assistance.
Measures and a Call for Calm
Rodríguez reminded the public of the BENAP platform for reporting affected homes or missing persons and stated that hotels and shelters were available for those displaced by the disaster.
She directed a specific message to healthcare workers: "I urge doctors and nurses to report to their workplaces; and to the displaced persons, I ask for your calm."
Regarding priorities, she emphasized: "The main focus is on rescuing lives; the material reconstruction will follow."
Standing beside her brother Jorge Rodríguez, President of the National Assembly, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, the acting president concluded with a spiritual appeal: "I ask all churches in Venezuela, all faiths, to unite in a single prayer for the protection of our people."
In her initial appearance Wednesday night, Rodríguez declared a constitutional state of emergency, closed the Maiquetía International Airport, and suspended the Caracas Metro.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the rapid deployment of search and rescue teams, while Trump posted on Truth Social that he had instructed all government agencies to "move quickly" and that they would "be there for our new great friends."
FAQs on Venezuela Earthquake Response
What is the current death toll from the Venezuela earthquakes?
The latest reports indicate that at least 164 people have died due to the earthquakes in Venezuela.
Which areas were most affected by the earthquakes?
The state of La Guaira was the most severely affected, with numerous building collapses. Other impacted areas include Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcón.
What international assistance has Venezuela received?
Venezuela has received offers of assistance from the United States, Panama, Qatar, Ecuador, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico, along with support from the United Nations and international financial organizations.