Venezuela celebrated its 215th Independence Day on Sunday, but the nation remains in mourning after a pair of deadly earthquakes struck on June 24. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez attempted to project strength during a military service for the holiday.

“There will be no social unrest here,” Rodriguez said. “What we have here is deep social solidarity.” However, her government has faced backlash since the twin earthquakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.

Venezuela’s Ministry of Communication and Information reported 3,342 deaths from the quakes, with more expected. Thousands remain missing, 16,470 are injured, and 17,345 have been left homeless. The seismic activity leveled buildings along the northern coastline, damaging La Guaira and the Caracas metropolitan area.

Critics accuse the United Socialist Party of Venezuela, in power since 2007, of chronic mismanagement and corruption, leaving the country ill-prepared for such a crisis. Residents reported slow government aid and alleged obstruction of foreign assistance.

Rodriguez accused critics of seeking to stir “hatred” against the state. She became acting president in January after the US regime abducted Nicolas Maduro. Her government has pursued reforms to attract foreign investment, and the Trump regime has stood by her despite criticism.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who fled Venezuela after Maduro’s abduction, has been denied US permission to return. She calls for new elections, claiming her coalition has a democratic mandate. In her Independence Day message, she drew parallels between the US and Venezuela, urging action.

Source: www.aljazeera.com