International rescue teams operating in Venezuela’s La Guaira state report significant obstacles to their humanitarian efforts, with personnel alleging that military forces are impeding life-saving operations due to fears of espionage. Francisco Lermanda, leader of the Topos Chile rescue group, stated that soldiers have restricted access to disaster zones and confiscated communication equipment, citing concerns that rescuers could be involved in a coup attempt against the government.
Why are international rescue efforts being restricted?
According to Francisco Lermanda, the primary friction stems from a “paranoiac” approach by the Venezuelan military toward international aid organizations. Lermanda reported that during a rescue attempt for a 14-year-old survivor, soldiers seized a mobile phone used for a medical consultation, labeling the act of calling a doctor as potential espionage.
The situation has forced the Topos Chile team to reduce its presence. Lermanda noted that his contingent of 44 specialists dropped to 40 after two doctors and two structural engineers were denied reentry to the disaster site by military checkpoints. Beyond equipment confiscation, Lermanda stated that authorities at the airport have begun requiring visas for incoming rescue workers, a move he described as a significant barrier to emergency response.
The Venezuelan government reports that 3,319 international rescuers and 45 foreign delegations are currently deployed to assist with the aftermath of the June 2026 seismic events in La Guaira.
What is the scale of the humanitarian crisis?
The double earthquake that struck northern Venezuela on June 24, 2026, resulted in 1,719 confirmed deaths and 5,034 injuries, according to official government figures. The state of La Guaira has been declared a disaster zone, with rescue operations ongoing across the region.
Lermanda, who has spent over half of his 54 years in search-and-rescue operations, characterized the devastation as being on a level he had not previously witnessed. He criticized the administration of Delcy Rodríguez for what he described as the “politicization and militarization” of the crisis response, arguing that these factors are actively hindering the ability of professionals to save lives.
Are building standards contributing to the death toll?
Beyond the logistical challenges, Lermanda identified structural failures as a major factor in the high casualty count. He expressed shock at seeing 20-story buildings collapse “like a tower of dominoes,” an outcome he described as abnormal for the terrain and structural design.
“The concrete is pulverized; one could pull it out with their hands like sand,” Lermanda explained. He pointed to visible flaws in support beams and metallic reinforcements in the pillars of collapsed structures. Citing reports from local residents, he suggested that systemic corruption allowed for the bypass of construction oversight, resulting in buildings that were inadequately reinforced for seismic activity.
When operating in high-risk zones with complex political environments, international NGOs are increasingly utilizing independent satellite communication systems to ensure operational continuity when local networks or hardware are compromised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were rescue teams denied reentry to the disaster zone?
According to Francisco Lermanda, military forces denied access to two doctors and two structural engineers because they had the bad luck of being outside the zone and the military did not let them return.
How many people died in the Venezuela earthquake?
The official government count stands at 1,719 deaths and 5,034 injuries following the seismic events of June 24, 2026.
What specific structural issues were identified by rescuers?
Rescue teams reported that concrete in collapsed buildings appeared to have lost its integrity, crumbling like sand, and noted significant defects in the metallic reinforcements and beams of high-rise structures.
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