The death toll from twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday is approaching 1,500, with thousands missing. Residents in hard-hit La Guaira state are digging through rubble with their bare hands, accusing the government of inaction.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency and appealed for international aid, but experts say the response has been slow and inadequate. Years of economic crisis have crippled emergency services, leaving them without resources.

International rescue teams have arrived from countries including El Salvador, Spain, Qatar, and the US, but have faced delays. Colombian firefighters were reportedly detained at the airport for hours. The government has restricted access to some areas.

In Falcon state, locals broke through security cordons to begin their own rescue efforts. Rodriguez was met with boos in Caracas. The military, heavily deployed during political protests, is notably absent from relief operations.

Analysts say the disaster could further undermine Rodriguez's legitimacy. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is attempting to return to Venezuela, but US officials have dismissed this as a "political stunt." The earthquake may delay any political transition.

Source: www.aljazeera.com