Venezuelan authorities have confirmed at least 1,719 deaths and more than 5,000 injuries, while tens of thousands of people remain missing or unaccounted for following a series of major earthquakes that struck the country. Thousands have also been displaced from their homes and are living in temporary shelters, makeshift camps, or with relatives.

Hundreds of residential and commercial buildings have either collapsed or suffered severe structural damage. Hospitals, transportation facilities, roads, and public utilities have also been affected, making relief efforts more difficult. Damaged roads and bridges have slowed the movement of emergency supplies into the hardest-hit areas. Widespread power outages and interruptions to water and communications have further complicated rescue and humanitarian operations.

The death toll from the massive earthquakes that struck Venezuela is likely much higher than what is currently known, and the perception of a slow government response to the quakes is fueling anger among the population. Venezuela’s current president was not elected, having taken office after former President Maduro was captured by the U.S. military and extradited to the United States to stand trial...

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Popular anger at the Venezuelan government’s response is already beginning to translate into frustration with the United States. After promises from the Trump Administration that Venezuela’s government would function better under American direction, the lackluster response to the earthquakes proves little has changed. Though aftershocks and damage from the original quakes are playing a large role in slowing down rescue and relief efforts, the lofty expectations created by the Trump Administration in Venezuela are not being met. 

Many survivors have expressed frustration over delays in receiving food, medical assistance, heavy rescue equipment, and temporary shelter. In numerous communities, local residents, volunteers, and neighborhood organizations began rescue efforts themselves before significant government assistance arrived. Opposition figures have criticized what they describe as an inadequate emergency response, while authorities maintain they are coordinating a nationwide recovery under exceptionally difficult conditions and have urged citizens to reject misinformation.

The international response has been substantial, with more than two dozen countries deploying urban search-and-rescue teams, medical personnel, equipment, and humanitarian supplies. The United Nations has expanded its emergency response and estimates that millions of people will require humanitarian assistance. Additional assistance has arrived from countries across Latin America, Europe, and elsewhere, alongside contributions from international relief organizations. But because the scale of the devastation is so vast, the current aid efforts will still need to be increased substantially.

American efforts have been spearheaded by the U.S. military, but despite its extensive resources, the U.S. military is not a disaster relief organization. The main federal agency which would normally be responsible for providing post-disaster aid and relief, the U.S. Agency for International Development, was dismantled by the Trump Administration and is currently unable to provide much assistance to Venezuela. 

The final death toll could be in the tens of thousands, and it could take Venezuela years to fully rebuild and recover from the damage caused by the recent earthquakes. Relief efforts will be both physically difficult and a political litmus test for the Trump Administration since they removed Venezuela’s former president from office.