On Wednesday, Jorge Rodríguez, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, addressed the media to defend the government's response to the catastrophic earthquakes that struck on June 24. His speech, broadcast by the pro-government channel Miraflores Al Momento, also targeted what he described as disinformation circulating since the disaster began.
Rodríguez devoted a significant portion of his remarks to debunking false information that spread on social media following the powerful twin earthquakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5—the strongest in Venezuela since 1900. "A lie can cost human lives," he stated. "The tsunami falsehood delayed the rescue operations on June 25."
He was referring to a video of the 2011 Japan tsunami that was falsely shared as footage from La Guaira, which was later debunked by fact-checkers from RTVE, Newtral, and AFP. Rodríguez emphasized that such misleading content not only misinforms but also exacerbates the psychological trauma of victims: "Every time they spread something that only sows fear and anxiety, it worsens the natural psychological impact on those affected by a disaster of such magnitude."
Government's Official Figures vs. Independent Estimates
In response to criticisms regarding international aid, Rodríguez presented official data: 707,063 tons of international humanitarian aid received, 8,893,000 kilograms of food distributed, 26,000 Venezuelan personnel deployed to disaster zones, 17,832 volunteers, and 4,099 international rescue workers involved. He noted that 81,589 families have been assisted to date.
Furthermore, Rodríguez announced that temporary camps for the displaced are being rapidly established. "Today marks a swift setup of these transitional camps," he stated, adding that the government is planning to build permanent housing to replace those lost.
However, these official statistics clash with independent assessments. The government's death toll stands at 2,295, while the UN estimates up to 50,000 people may be buried under debris. NASA reports nearly 59,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed, and the UNDP estimates direct damages at $6.7 billion.
Criticism from Civil Society and NGOs
The government's handling of the crisis has also faced backlash from civil society. The NGO PROVEA criticized the regime for prioritizing a military presence with over 14,000 troops in La Guaira, which they say has hindered humanitarian access. A volunteer captured the situation succinctly in a viral phrase: "More rifles here than shovels."
Rodríguez is the public spokesperson alongside his sister, Delcy Rodríguez, who has been serving as interim president of Venezuela since January 5, 2026. She declared a constitutional state of emergency the night of the earthquake and placed La Guaira under military control.
This Wednesday, the government also declared a seven-day national mourning period starting at 6:00 PM.
Understanding Venezuela's Earthquake Response
What were the magnitudes of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes in Venezuela registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, making them the most powerful since 1900 in the country.
How did misinformation impact the rescue efforts?
Misinformation, such as a false tsunami alert, delayed rescue operations and increased the psychological distress of victims.
What assistance has Venezuela received following the earthquakes?
Venezuela has received 707,063 tons of international humanitarian aid and deployed 26,000 national personnel alongside 17,832 volunteers and 4,099 international rescue workers.