Venezuela’s leader defends quake response as thousands remain missing

Venezuela's Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has defended her government's response to two earthquakes that killed over 2,000 people on June 24. Rodriguez rejected allegations of a slow official reaction, despite widespread criticism from civilians, including survivors, family members, volunteer paramedics, and foreign rescue teams. These groups have been actively involved in disaster areas, particularly in the heavily impacted northern state of La Guaira. Critics argue that the government's response was slow and ineffective, with delays in aid delivery and a lack of heavy machinery for debris removal during ongoing search operations.

A man, Hernan Gil, was rescued eight days after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, a rare success amid a devastating humanitarian crisis. The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, have killed at least 2,295 people and left 13,000 homeless, with an estimated 60,000 buildings damaged or destroyed. Rescue teams from seven countries worked for days to free Gil from a collapsed seven-storey building in Catia La Mar. While Gil's survival offers a glimmer of hope, the focus has shifted to addressing the widespread humanitarian needs of displaced residents. The government has confirmed 11,000 injuries, and approximately 50,000 people are reported missing.

Hernán Gil, a security guard, was rescued alive after being trapped for eight days in the rubble of a building that collapsed following twin earthquakes in Venezuela. Emergency workers located Gil under 140 tonnes of debris and worked for over 100 hours to free him, facing significant challenges and dangers. The rescue operation involved teams from multiple countries, including Venezuela, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Portugal, and the United States. The earthquakes, which occurred on June 24, have resulted in nearly 2,300 confirmed deaths and tens of thousands of missing people.

Venezuela's acting President, Delcy Rodriguez, was jeered by residents in areas affected by recent earthquakes. The article states that these residents are devastated by the natural disaster. The jeering occurred during rescue efforts, implying a connection between the residents' distress and the ongoing situation. The article does not provide further details on the timing or specific locations of these events, nor does it explain the reasons behind the residents' reaction beyond their devastation from the earthquakes.

American search-and-rescue teams successfully pulled a 9-month-old infant alive from rubble in Venezuela days after devastating twin earthquakes. The Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team, deployed by the U.S. Department of State, performed the rescue in Catia La Mar. The infant and her mother, who suffered only minor injuries, were found more than 72 hours after the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck. This rescue occurred as emergency crews raced against time, with the death toll reaching 1,430 and over 68,000 people reported missing. The U.S. has also pledged $150 million in emergency assistance to support relief efforts in Venezuela.

In Caracas, Venezuela, residents are facing what they describe as the hardest moment in the country's modern history following a severe tragedy. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to reach those trapped under rubble, particularly in areas like Chacao and the coastal town of La Guaira, where over 100 buildings have collapsed. Amidst the ongoing rescue efforts, citizens are expressing anger towards the government, with one resident confronting Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, accusing the government of inaction. Venezuelans are largely relying on each other for support, with one resident stating they do not depend on the government. The scale of the disaster is unprecedented for many long-term residents.

A devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on November 27, 2025, resulted in 128 fatalities. The Hong Kong government and its citizens mobilized extensive firefighting, rescue, and relief efforts, deploying over 1,200 firefighters and paramedics, 200 fire engines, and 100 ambulances. Mainland China demonstrated solidarity through donations from enterprises and assistance from civil organizations, underscoring mutual support between the regions during the crisis. Aid stations provided shelter and emotional support to affected residents, with immediate donations of essential supplies like mattresses arriving at temporary shelters. The coordinated response aimed to mitigate the impact of the tragedy and support those affected.