During a press conference in Caracas this Thursday, Delcy Rodríguez, the acting president of Venezuela, revealed that she is suffering from a "health condition" affecting her voice. She declined to provide specific details about her diagnosis, as reported by EFE.
This announcement comes as Rodríguez manages the aftermath of Venezuela's most devastating seismic disaster in over a century. On June 24, a dual earthquake with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 struck the northern region, resulting in 2,595 fatalities and 12,400 injuries by the end of the day.
“I currently have a deep internal pain and a broken voice because of a health issue,” stated the interim president to the press.
Rodríguez admitted that her medical team has advised her to scale back her activities, but she is determined to continue her efforts: “I have witnesses here, both doctors and non-doctors, constantly telling me what I shouldn't do.”
Despite her condition, she is committed to leading the emergency response: “I choose to transform my internal pain or health condition into action, working tirelessly, morning, noon, night, and early hours, for Venezuela, for our country, and for our people.”
The press conference was attended by Jorge Rodríguez, the president of the National Assembly, and Diosdado Cabello, the Interior Minister.
During the same event, Rodríguez expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by 147 countries and international artists, specifically mentioning Bad Bunny. She also announced talks with the U.S. Department of State and the International Monetary Fund to secure resources for reconstruction efforts.
Rodríguez's handling of the disaster has not been without controversy. On June 27, she faced boos from residents and victims' families during her visit to the Petunia building in the Chacao municipality of Caracas. Military forces halted rescue operations to clear her path while people remained trapped under debris.
Non-governmental organizations have criticized the government for prioritizing militarization—with over 14,000 troops deployed in La Guaira, the hardest-hit state—over direct humanitarian aid to those affected.
Official figures have also been questioned: while the government reports 2,595 deaths, the UN estimates up to 50,000 people missing, and the U.S. Geological Survey projects a 42% probability that the final death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000.
Rodríguez assumed the role of acting president on January 5, 2026, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces two days earlier, marking her as the first woman to hold the presidency in Venezuelan history.
The twin earthquakes on June 24 are considered the most powerful and deadly seismic events recorded in the country since 1900, with economic damages estimated at $6.7 billion—equivalent to 6% of Venezuela's GDP.
Understanding Venezuela's Current Crisis
What health condition did Delcy Rodríguez reveal?
Delcy Rodríguez disclosed that she is experiencing a health condition that affects her voice, but she did not provide further details about her diagnosis.
How has the international community responded to Venezuela's earthquake disaster?
Rodríguez thanked 147 countries and international artists for their support and announced discussions with the U.S. Department of State and IMF to help secure funds for recovery efforts.
What controversies have surrounded Rodríguez's management of the crisis?
Rodríguez faced criticism for the militarization of the response and halting rescue operations during a visit, as well as discrepancies in official casualty figures compared to UN and USGS estimates.