Award-winning journalist and author Jorge Ramos released a compelling video this Saturday on Facebook, criticizing the Venezuelan regime's response to the devastating earthquakes and issuing a potent political warning: "There are earthquakes that end tyrannies."
This poignant statement encapsulates his message, recorded four days after two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, struck northern Venezuela on June 24. The quakes, occurring just 39 seconds apart, were centered in the state of Yaracuy and have been labeled by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as the strongest seismic events in the country since 1900.
Within hours of its release, the video amassed approximately 530,000 views, over 25,000 likes, and more than 1,900 comments, underscoring the significant impact of his words on an audience deeply concerned about Venezuela's plight.
Military Absence and Civilian Courage
Ramos directly addressed the absence of the regime's military forces in rescue efforts, questioning their whereabouts: "More and more Venezuelans are asking where those soldiers are who have repressed the people for decades and now are nowhere to be seen during rescue operations."
The journalist explicitly named those he was referring to: "I'm talking about those military figures who murdered and repressed during the dictatorships of Hugo Chávez, Nicolás Maduro, and now in the era of Delcy Rodríguez, Jorge Rodríguez, and Diosdado Cabello."
Historical Parallels and the Power of the People
In contrast to this institutional failure, Ramos expressed admiration for the civilian response: "The dictatorship in Venezuela is completely overwhelmed, and I am utterly moved by how many civilians are helping each other with their own hands in rescue efforts. I have never witnessed anything like it."
To illustrate this phenomenon, he recalled a historical event: "I remember the 1985 earthquake in Mexico, where the state was also overwhelmed, and Mexicans helped rescue fellow citizens." That 8.1 magnitude quake resulted in over 10,000 deaths, overwhelmed the PRI government, and sparked a citizen movement that many historians cite as the beginning of the political weakening of the ruling party.
Ramos's analogy is deliberate: natural disasters can hasten the collapse of authoritarian regimes when they display ineptitude in the eyes of the populace.
Urgency Amidst Tragedy
While he noted that "now is not the time for politics or seeking retribution," Ramos warned that such a time "will come soon," stressing the current priority is rescuing survivors and aiding those affected.
The scale of the disaster supports the urgency of his call. As of June 27, the official death toll had reached 1,430, with over 3,360 injured. The United Nations estimated more than 50,000 missing and 6.76 million affected, while the UNDP calculated material damages at $6.7 billion. The USGS issued a Red Alert—the highest level—and predicted a 42% chance the final victim count could range between 10,000 and 100,000.
On social media, thousands of Venezuelans echoed Ramos's message. Some comments starkly expressed pent-up frustration, noting that "even a dog has done more" than the authorities in rescue efforts.
Political Turmoil Intensifies the Crisis
The political context exacerbates the situation. Since January 3, 2026, when Maduro was captured by U.S. forces, Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of interim president, recognized by the Armed Forces, while Cabello operates as a real power figure within the PSUV. The regime has not called for elections despite constitutional demands, and the minimum wage has remained frozen at less than a dollar per month since March 2022.
This scenario mirrors the Cuban reality, where the regime has historically shown its inability to respond to emergencies without relying on spontaneous citizen solidarity, while maintaining a robust military and repressive apparatus that doesn’t translate into real protection for the populace.
Ramos's influence is widely recognized. Newsweek listed him among the 50 most important political and journalistic figures in the United States, while Time magazine considers him one of the 25 most influential Hispanics in the country. In February 2019, Ramos was detained for over two hours and deported from Venezuela after attempting to interview Maduro, who confiscated the recordings.
Understanding Venezuela's Earthquake Crisis
What was the magnitude of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes in Venezuela had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, making them the most powerful quakes recorded in the country since 1900.
How did Jorge Ramos describe the regime's response to the earthquakes?
Jorge Ramos criticized the regime's inadequate response, highlighting the absence of military forces in rescue efforts and praising the civilian response.
What historical event did Ramos compare the Venezuelan situation to?
Ramos compared it to the 1985 earthquake in Mexico, where the state was overwhelmed, and citizens organized to help, leading to political changes.