Delcy Rodríguez activates Civil Protection after rains leave at least six missing and about 20 injured on the Valle-Coche highway

Saturday's rains left at least six people missing in Caracas, Miranda and Aragua, Infobae reported: a mother and child swept away in Caracas, a couple in Guaicaipuro and two people in José Félix Ribas. About 20 were injured and 60 to 70 vehicles were trapped on the Valle-Coche highway, according to Caracas government chief Nahum Fernández.

Acting president Delcy Rodríguez ordered Civil Protection activated and blamed tropical wave 40, Infobae reported. VTV spoke of the impact of tropical waves and of "collective trauma". On the opposition side, David Placeres questioned the state's response since the June 24 earthquakes and asked where Diosdado Cabello was.

«What civil protection system does the country have after what happened on June 24, when their emergency system was already put to the test?»— David Placeres, August 23, 2026 · watch

«Risk is not only a natural phenomenon; risk is also socially constructed»— VTV, August 23, 2026 · watch