Venezuela's La Guaira state bore the brunt of the earthquake damage, bringing memories of a 1999 disaster that became President Hugo Chávez's first major test. Now, it's the acting leader's challenge.

The disaster is exposing how little the fragile U.S.-backed state has changed since Nicolás Maduro was removed from power. | World News

The disaster poses a huge challenge for the former vice president who took office in January. Tensions flared Saturday as desperation grew among anguished residents of the…