CATIA LA MAR: Venezuela’s US-backed acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Thursday issued a fiery defense of her government’s response to last week’s devastating earthquakes, lashing out at critics who say authorities reacted too slowly, pushing back on suggestions that the true death toll is far higher than the government has acknowledged and rejecting accusations that the nation’s shoddily constructed social housing exacerbated the disaster.

Amid rescue efforts, Venezuelans express outrage, accusing the government of mishandling earthquake response and neglecting urgent needs in the aftermath of the disaster.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez has defended her government's response to last week's devastating earthquakes.

Interim leader praises Donald Trump and Marco Rubio for support