local
Venezuelans scour collapsed buildings by hand while government machinery stands unused
By Max Saltman, Isa Soares, Madalena Araujo at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· July 1, 2026
· 6 min read
As Venezuelans in La Guaira continued to pick through the rubble of downed buildings yesterday, a government excavator stood immobile next to a pile of concrete and bent rebar.There is plenty of work to do nearly a week after two massive earthquakes destroyed much of this coastal city. Heavy mach...
Key takeaway People are outraged, said political analyst Carmen Beatriz Fernndez, director of the consulting firm DataStrategia.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The situation in Venezuela has significant implications for Nashville 's own disaster response planning. As a city prone to natural disasters like tornadoes and floods, it's crucial for local authorities to have a robust emergency response system in place. The Venezuelan government's inability to effectively utilize heavy machinery due to fuel shortages serves as a cautionary tale for Nashville's officials to ensure that their own emergency response plans are well-equipped and well-funded. Furthermore, the issue of corruption and misconduct among officials in Venezuela highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in Nashville's own government agencies, particularly in the context of disaster response and recovery efforts. As Nashville continues to grow and develop, it's essential for local leaders to prioritize building a resilient and effective emergency response system that can respond to the unique needs of the community.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? As Venezuelans in La Guaira continued to pick through the rubble of downed buildings yesterday, a government excavator stood immobile next to a pile of concrete and bent rebar.There is plenty of work to do nearly a week after two massive earthquakes destroyed much of this coastal city. Heavy mach...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Max Saltman, Isa Soares, Madalena Araujo at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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