Rescue teams and volunteers have accused Venezuelan authorities of slowing earthquake relief efforts through access restrictions and administrative hurdles
as the death toll continues to climb. The criticism comes as fresh aftershocks hit the country and international rescuers race against time to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. The humanitarian response to Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has come under scrutiny after rescuers, volunteers and international officials accused government authorities of obstructing search-and-rescue efforts in the country's worst-hit areas. The disaster began when a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Venezuela, followed just 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor. The twin earthquakes have claimed more than 1,700 lives, injured around 1,500 people, and left tens of thousands missing. Hundreds of buildings were damaged, including 189 that completely collapsed. Five days after the earthquakes, a magnitude 4.6 aftershock struck the country again on Monday as rescue teams continued searching for survivors. Also read: Who Was Lucas Trejo? Argentine Footballer's Wife, Two Kids Found Dead as Death Toll Rises
Rescue Restrictions Draw Criticism
The complaints intensified after Interior, Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello announced restrictions on access to La Guaira state, the area hardest hit by the earthquakes. Since Friday night, anyone seeking to enter the disaster zone to assist has been required to register in Caracas and obtain official authorization.
Cabello said the measures were intended to ensure the movement of ambulances, heavy machinery and specialized rescue teams. He also stated that authorities would prevent people without assigned duties from entering the area.
However, volunteers and rescue workers argued that the new rules delayed the arrival of personnel and humanitarian supplies during the crucial hours when survivors were most likely to be found.
Videos circulating on social media showed a tense exchange between Cabello and members of a US rescue team during an operation in La Guaira. In the footage, a rescuer repeatedly asked Cabello to move away from the work area, saying someone nearby was still calling for help from beneath the rubble. Before leaving, the rescuer said he was "not happy with this situation."
WATCH: Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello argues with American rescue teams in La Guaira as they head to aid quake victims pic.twitter.com/YxYHMywwhN
— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) June 29, 2026
International Teams Report Delays
Chilean rescuer Francisco Fermanda said the international community had responded quickly after Venezuela requested assistance but criticized what he described as a lack of organization by the government. He said his rescue team faced movement restrictions, while teams from Spain and France were reportedly unable to enter the country because they lacked visas.
Spanish rescue team USAR13 also announced it was returning home after waiting two days in Bogotá without receiving permission to travel to Venezuela, saying it was saddened that it could not help those affected.
US Representative Maria Elvira Salazar accused Venezuelan authorities of blocking international rescue teams and humanitarian aid, while Florida Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart warned against interference with relief efforts after sharing the video involving Cabello.
Residents have also expressed frustration with security forces, accusing them of prioritizing street control instead of assisting with rescue operations. Videos shared online reportedly show citizens urging armed personnel to help clear rubble, while other clips allegedly show officers taking household appliances, food and cash from damaged buildings.
Journalists have also reported delays in reaching La Guaira. International media crews were told they would receive special visas and government transportation to the disaster zone, but the trip was postponed for another 48 hours after authorities cited ongoing aftershocks and safety concerns.
