Catia la Mar, Venezuela – Weeks after twin earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, devastating coastal cities and killing hundreds, ordinary citizens are spearheading the rescue and recovery efforts. Residents like Andreina Velasquez, who lost her apartment in Catia la Mar, have become frontline responders, distributing essential supplies and assisting neighbors while expressing frustration over the delayed arrival of federal aid.

The earthquakes, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, caused catastrophic damage, collapsing buildings and leaving a trail of destruction. Official figures from Venezuela's National Assembly report over 2,295 deaths and 11,000 injuries, with the United Nations warning the toll could climb to 10,000. In the hardest-hit areas, many residents are still grappling with loss and displacement.

Velasquez, who narrowly escaped her sixth-floor apartment before it collapsed, now dedicates her time to providing face masks to protect others from dust and debris. She noted that initial aid efforts lacked basic protective gear, highlighting the spontaneous and citizen-led nature of the immediate response. "I've been here every day. Other people came to help, but they don't have helmets, they don't have gloves, they don't have masks. That's why I'm helping," she stated.

Experts observe that this reliance on volunteers underscores significant issues with the government's response. Carolina Jimenez, president of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), commented that in most countries, the state acts as the primary first responder. "In the case of Venezuela, the state has been the last responder," Jimenez told Al Jazeera, noting that in areas like Catia la Mar, authorities arrived days after the disaster, and in some parts of La Guaira, assistance has yet to materialize.

The slow pace of official aid has fueled public anger and highlighted the critical role of civil society. Humanitarian workers and volunteers have been instrumental in providing support where government assistance has been insufficient or absent. This situation is particularly concerning given the scale of the disaster and the potential for the death toll to rise.

Residents in affected areas have reported that federal government help did not arrive until three days after the earthquakes. This delay contrasts sharply with the immediate actions taken by neighbors and local volunteers who have been organizing search parties and distributing food and water to those in need.

The overwhelmed hospital system and the logistical challenges of reaching remote or severely damaged areas have compounded the crisis. The reliance on grassroots efforts, while demonstrating resilience, also points to a gap in preparedness and emergency response infrastructure.

As the situation unfolds, questions remain about the long-term recovery strategy and the government's capacity to manage the aftermath effectively. The actions of volunteers, however, provide a powerful testament to community solidarity in the face of widespread devastation and official shortcomings.