Jorge Rodríguez Criticized Over Debris Dumping and Fake News After La Guaira Earthquake

After the June 24, 2026 earthquakes that devastated Venezuela’s coastal state of La Guaira, large quantities of demolition debris needed to be removed. Jorge Rodríguez, president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, insisted that the material would not be thrown into the sea, stating “under no circumstances will we consider the pilgrimage idea of dumping them into the sea” and that it would be classified for reuse in infrastructure projects.

A video shared on social media later showed tonnes of rubble piled directly on the shoreline, with waves striking the debris, contradicting Rodríguez’s remarks. The official subsequently denounced a campaign of false news that he said included bogus tsunami alerts, reports of missing children and other rumors, which he claimed hampered rescue efforts and caused people to flee inland instead of aiding search operations. He urged respect for victims and for the rescue teams and warned against politicizing the tragedy.