In the mountainous district of El Junquito, west of Caracas, residents reported to Reuters a notable absence of public officials, with local farmers and community members stepping in to supply essential provisions.
Resident Keily Ibarra, 33, said, “We are awaiting answers, debris removal, inspections, and assistance for those seriously impacted.”
On Monday, Vice President Rodríguez announced that more than 25,000 emergency personnel, police officers, and soldiers have been deployed to assist Venezuelans impacted by the earthquakes.
She posted on platform X, “Every life saved is a victory for hope.”
She also established a commission to evaluate the damage, chaired by her brother, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez.
Addressing state television, she explained that the panel will determine safe re‑entry using a colour‑coded traffic‑light system, while temporary camps for displaced persons are being organized.
A rescued 21‑year‑old was located in Caraballeda by a multinational team comprising Venezuela, Mexico, and El Salvador, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele announced Monday.
The man, identified as Aaron Levi Cantillo Vargas, is receiving specialized medical care, Bukele said, noting that rescuers “will continue working with the hope of saving more lives.”
UN resident humanitarian coordinator Gianluca Rampolla Del Tindaro reported Monday that over 500 aftershocks have occurred, affecting at least 2,500 structures from Wednesday’s initial quakes, with most having completely collapsed.
The UN is procuring 10,000 body bags for the rescue effort, he added, noting that an increase in fatalities is now considered unavoidable.
He remarked, “It is very sad, and we truly hope the final count will be lower; therefore we are concentrating fully on the rescue operation now.”
Additional international aid has been pledged. The United States has committed over $300 million (≈£227 million) to assist Venezuela, up from its prior pledge of $150 million.
According to the US State Department, “These funds will deliver emergency medical care, food assistance, water and sanitation, shelter, protection, and logistics.”
The U.S. military has repaired and reopened the Port of La Guaira to expedite aid delivery; the frigate USS Fort Lauderdale is docked there providing support.
Sailors and Marines have been observed using landing craft and amphibious vehicles to distribute aid to the hardest‑hit coastal communities.
The Netherlands is dispatching a vessel laden with emergency supplies, and China has pledged nearly $15 million in assistance.
