Delayed military orders slowed Venezuela quake response as toll tops 5,000
What's new: sources described a weak chain of command, scarce equipment and no disaster plan in the first days after the June 24 quakes.
Delayed orders, confusion among commanders and a lack of basic equipment slowed Venezuela's military response after twin earthquakes struck the coast on June 24, according to eight sources familiar with the operation. The quakes, measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, killed about 5,000 people by the government's count, with experts including the United States Geological Survey warning the final toll could be far higher. The heaviest destruction hit La Guaira state, where apartment towers partially or fully collapsed. Residents, witnesses and sources said civilians led rescue efforts in the first two days while soldiers and police were barely visible. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has defended the response and said 4,000 officials were deployed immediately.