On June 24th, Venezuela was hit with a 7.2 and a 7.5 magnitude seismic doublet, which is when two earthquakes of similar magnitude, location, and timing occur, according to Lucía Lozano of Spain’s National Seismic Network and Euro News. Currently, the search for survivors and affected individuals is still ongoing, damage is actively being assessed, and restoring electricity across the nation has begun. 

Venezuela is operating under interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who is under scrutiny for politicizing the earthquakes for her own political gain. As stated in Reuters, in the initial aftermath of the disaster, Rodriguez stated, “In unity, ​we will overcome this situation,” which to political scientist Tony Frangie Mawad is a “rally around the flag” tactic. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also commented on the earthquakes, stating that “It’ll be big. ‌It’ll be ⁠fast, and it’ll be effective,” in relation to U.S. aid and response. Aside from the United States, the United Nations, China, European nations, and Venezuela’s South American neighbors have all pledged aid and support towards this disaster. 

Venezuela and the international community are currently being effective and efficient in the responses towards this disaster, especially regarding the progression of events and relief support. For example, Rodriguez stated that electricity had been restored to 75% of La Guaira, water service to 68% of the state, and road access to 90%, according to the New York Times. The United Nations has mobilized canine units to assist Venezuela in search and rescue missions, doctors have been sent out to aid in searches, and there have been many hopeful moments for the nation and its people. Recently, a rescue team found and pulled out a mother and her nine-month-old baby from a collapsed building, which left neighbors and surrounding individuals cheering. It should also be noted that the rescue team who found them was from Virginia, and is just one of many U.S. and international rescue groups aiding in relief. 

Venezuela has a history of harsh and harmful earthquakes hitting the nation, but the recent seismic doublet was one of the most destructive and deadly earthquakes this nation has ever faced. This natural disaster also came at a time of uncertainty within Venezuelan politics, as President Nicolás Maduro was captured by the U.S. this past January and has been replaced with Rodriguez. Interim President Rodriguez and the international community are undergoing efforts to provide relief to individuals and communities, but despite rescue efforts, the death toll has surpassed 1,400 individuals, and according to the New York Post, 68,900 individuals are still reported missing. 

Although Venezuela is in a fragile and transitional political state, the nation itself and the international community have rallied forces to provide relief, answers, and growth for the people of Venezuela. Even though missions and efforts all remain incomplete, there have been steady actions made towards rebuilding the nation and providing necessities back to its citizens, and each day rescue teams locate more affected individuals to assist. Despite these two earthquakes causing catastrophic damage, Venezuela continues to persist in strength and spirit, displaying the true efforts they are taking towards relief.