Venezuela's deadly quakes put its U.S.-backed government to the test
Venezuela is facing a humanitarian crisis following twin earthquakes that killed over 1,700 people. Local residents and critics are accusing the government of a slow, inept response and bureaucratic interference in rescue efforts.
Why it matters
Highlights the intersection of natural disasters and political instability, raising questions about government accountability and emergency response efficacy.
LOS CORALES, Venezuela — A backhoe is digging through the ruins of a 12-story building that collapsed in this town on Venezuela's Caribbean coast during last week's back-to-back earthquakes. But the government backhoe operator never showed up, so local residents passed the hat for donations to pay for one.
The reporting focuses heavily on government failure and citizen frustration, which is a common framing in international coverage of the Venezuelan administration.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in