Mother Confronts Maduro's Son Over Daughter's Death
Public anger in Venezuela over the government's response to twin earthquakes that killed nearly 4,500 people is escalating. A grieving mother, Damely Yaneth Díaz, confronted Nicolás Maduro Guerra, the son of former president Nicolás Maduro, during his visit to a destroyed housing project in Catia La Mar. In footage captured by Norwegian broadcaster TV2, Díaz shouted, "I didn't lose a kitchen! I lost a daughter!" and demanded that officials "should be arrested." Bystanders cheered her on as officials attempted to interrupt the filming.
Government Response Under Fire
The earthquakes on 24 June devastated the northern state of La Guaira and caused significant damage in Caracas. The official death toll stands at 4,490, but is expected to rise as bodies are still being recovered. Many survivors feel abandoned, having dug for trapped relatives with basic tools and bare hands. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, a close Maduro ally installed after US President Donald Trump ordered Maduro's abduction, dismissed criticism as a media campaign. She defended the response, arguing that many local officials had been killed, but avoided direct interaction with victims' families. During a televised speech to troops, she stated that critics "will be buried," further inflaming public outrage.
Political and Social Implications
The disaster has heightened opposition to the socialist regime, which many blame for years of economic crisis and dictatorship. Even traditionally pro-government areas express anger. The US has supported Rodríguez's administration, sending nearly 1,000 military personnel for emergency response. The New York Times reported that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is effectively running Venezuela from Washington, acting as a "de facto vice-roy." The growing indignation threatens to destabilize US efforts to control oil-rich Venezuela after the January military intervention.
Public Sentiment and Comparisons to Chávez
Residents contrast the current response with that of Hugo Chávez during the 1999 landslides. Francisco González, a removal man working in the wrecked OPPE 25 housing project, recalled, "The first person who was down here in his wellington boots getting stuck in was Chávez. He had his flaws, but he loved the people. Not like these scoundrels we've got now." González added, "I think God is punishing the politicians." The quakes have amplified longstanding grievances, with many questioning the quality of government housing projects that collapsed.
