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Venezuela's interim leader angrily defends earthquake response
By Regina Garcia Cano, Megan Janetsky And Fernanda Pesce, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 2, 2026
· 6 min read
Venezuela's U.S.-backed acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Thursday issued a fiery defense of her government's response to last week's devastating earthquakes, lashing out at critics who say authorities reacted too slowly, pushing back on suggestions that the true death toll is far higher than t...
Key takeaway Residents of the hardest-hit state, La Guaira, have complained that the initial absence of a serious government search-and-rescue operation left them alone to scour for neighbors and loved ones with their bare hands.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
In San Antonio , a city with a strong sense of community and resilience, the news of Venezuela's earthquake response efforts resonates deeply. As local residents watch the unfolding crisis, they may draw parallels with their own experiences in responding to natural disasters. The importance of a well-coordinated emergency response, adequate resources, and transparent communication cannot be overstated. San Antonio's own emergency management systems and protocols may be informally assessed in light of the Venezuelan government's criticized response. Furthermore, the city's sizable Hispanic population, including those with Venezuelan ties, may be particularly concerned about the humanitarian situation and the role of international aid. As the situation in Venezuela continues to evolve, San Antonio residents may be prompted to reflect on their own community's preparedness and capacity to respond to disasters, and the potential for local organizations to provide support to affected areas.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Venezuela's U.S.-backed acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Thursday issued a fiery defense of her government's response to last week's devastating earthquakes, lashing out at critics who say authorities reacted too slowly, pushing back on suggestions that the true death toll is far higher than t...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Regina Garcia Cano, Megan Janetsky And Fernanda Pesce, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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