Venezuelans Rely on Manual Labor Amid Government Machinery Shortage After Quakes

In the aftermath of devastating earthquakes that struck La Guaira, Venezuela, residents have resorted to manual excavation to search for survivors and recover bodies, as government machinery remains idle due to a lack of fuel. The official death toll has reached at least 1,943, but estimates suggest it could be much higher, with tens of thousands feared dead. Political analysts criticize the government's inadequate response, while opposition leader María Corina Machado has returned from exile to assist. Amidst the chaos, volunteers and civil defense teams are struggling with insufficient tools, highlighting the dire need for resources in the affected areas.

Key Details: • Official death toll stands at 1,943, with estimates suggesting tens of thousands may be dead. • Residents are using pickaxes and shovels to search for survivors due to lack of heavy machinery. • Volunteers and civil defense teams report insufficient tools for effective rescue operations. • Opposition leader María Corina Machado has returned to Venezuela to support recovery efforts.