The socialist regime in Venezuela imposed restrictions on entering the state of La Guaira starting at 8:00 p.m. this past Friday, following two devastating earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 that hit the coastal region. This decision has sparked widespread public outrage against interim president Delcy Rodríguez.
Diosdado Cabello, the Interior Minister, announced the restriction from La Guaira, describing it as a direct order from Rodríguez. He explained, "Starting today at 20:00 hours, access to the state of La Guaira is restricted. Those wishing to enter must comply with the established protocols: register at the Poliedro, and authorities along the route will make decisions to prevent entry by unauthorized individuals," he stated on state television VTV.
Individuals looking to enter the area must first register at the Poliedro de Caracas to receive an entry permit. Motorized volunteers completing this process will be given an identifying vest before proceeding into the affected zone.
Cabello justified the restriction with three main reasons: traffic congestion obstructing ambulances and rescue teams, health risks posed by bodies trapped under debris more than 48 hours after the earthquakes, and uncoordinated civilians hindering operations.
"Local residents have expressed that excessive crowds are blocking movement. When a siren sounds, it's carrying an injured person," he noted.
Public Fury Over Government Response
Nevertheless, the restriction has intensified the anger of Venezuelans, who have been vocal about the government's neglect since the quakes struck the northern region on Wednesday, June 24.
Juan Arraez, a journalist with the Associated French Press, captured video footage of citizens digging through the rubble with their bare hands, reporting scant presence of official rescue teams in the hardest-hit areas.
Rodríguez's visit to the most devastated parish, Macuto, was met with a storm of criticism on social media. "Money is always available for luxury SUVs, but never for hospitals," one user commented. Others questioned the military's absence: "Where is the army? The same one deployed during protests." Phrases like "A completely useless and shameful media show" and "Liars, the people are alone" were widely shared.
Civil Protection was criticized for rescuing people using phone flashlights due to inadequate equipment, contrasting with international efforts: over a thousand rescuers from 16 countries, including 300 from El Salvador, and teams from Mexico, Brazil, and the United States, have arrived to assist.
Devastating Impact and Ongoing Aftershocks
The official report as of Friday night lists 589 dead, 2,980 injured, and 157 missing, with at least 200 individuals still trapped beneath the debris. In La Guaira, 250 buildings have collapsed, the José María Vargas Hospital is in ruins, and the Maiquetía International Airport remains shut.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a Red Alert, estimating a 42% chance that the final death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000. More than 130 aftershocks have been recorded since the main quakes, including a 4.4 magnitude tremor early Friday morning, causing panic among residents and rescuers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About La Guaira Earthquake Crisis
Why has access to La Guaira been restricted?
Access has been restricted to prevent traffic congestion that blocks emergency services, address health risks from decomposing bodies, and manage uncoordinated civilian interference with rescue operations.
How are people reacting to the government's response to the earthquakes?
There has been widespread public outrage and criticism of the government's inadequate response, with many citizens accusing the regime of neglecting the crisis and failing to provide necessary resources.
What international assistance has Venezuela received?
Over a thousand rescuers from 16 different countries, including El Salvador, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States, have arrived in Venezuela to support the rescue and relief efforts.