On Friday, Delcy Rodríguez faced a hostile reception as dozens of residents and families of victims expressed their anger with shouts and insults during her visit to the wreckage of the Petunia building in Caracas. This 22-story tower in Chacao collapsed on Wednesday after two catastrophic earthquakes hit northern Venezuela.
The crowd's frustration peaked when soldiers accompanying the official entourage began clearing the street to make way for Rodríguez. Tensions escalated as heavy machinery, which was removing debris, was halted to accommodate the visit, disrupting the ongoing rescue operations with individuals still trapped beneath the building's ruins.
"Enough of making a political campaign out of a tragedy like this," yelled dozens of people gathered behind the cordoned-off area.
Others joined in chanting, "The government isn't doing anything for the people," as they tried to approach the officials and recorded the heated moments on their phones.
One woman angrily reported that "our children have been volunteering for three days" and were pushed aside to allow for the official visit.
The incident was witnessed by an AFP journalist on the scene and widely shared across social media platforms.
Aftermath of the Venezuelan Earthquakes
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck on Wednesday, just 39 seconds apart, with epicenters located in the Yaracuy state. They represent the most significant natural disaster Venezuela has faced in decades.
The official death toll, updated on Saturday, has risen to 1,430, with 3,238 injured and 432 seismic events recorded. Specifically, at the Petunia building, 35 deaths have been confirmed.
The United Nations has reported figures indicating up to 50,000 people missing and 6.76 million affected across the nation.
Widespread Criticism of Government Response
Rodríguez's visit to the Petunia building is part of a broader pattern of public disapproval over the government's handling of the crisis. Her earlier tour of Macuto in La Guaira state—one of the hardest-hit areas—also sparked severe criticism for being perceived as political propaganda.
Citizens complained about Civil Protection rescuing people "using cellphone flashlights," the notable absence of the military, and officials hindering volunteer coordination. Protests erupted on Friday at the Poliedro de Caracas over restrictions placed on volunteer registration.
Rodríguez, who assumed the interim presidency of Venezuela on January 5, 2026, following Nicolás Maduro's capture by U.S. forces, declared a constitutional state of emergency. She announced a $200 million fund for reconstruction efforts and coordinated the arrival of rescue teams from over 16 countries, deploying more than 1,000 international personnel.
Nevertheless, public perception remains at odds with the official narrative. "A government that awakens after 48 hours doesn't want to do anything," encapsulated the widespread sentiment reported by Venezuelan media.
Understanding the Venezuelan Earthquake Crisis
What triggered the public's anger during Delcy Rodríguez's visit?
The public's anger was triggered when soldiers cleared the street for Rodríguez's visit, interrupting rescue operations, and when a machine removing debris was stopped to make way for the entourage.
How significant were the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes were highly significant, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, marking the most catastrophic natural disaster in Venezuela in decades.
What actions did Delcy Rodríguez take in response to the disaster?
Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, announced a $200 million reconstruction fund, and coordinated international rescue efforts involving over 1,000 personnel from 16 countries.