Delcy Rodríguez thanks Musk for free Starlink after Venezuela quakes

Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodríguez thanked Elon Musk and SpaceX for providing free Starlink internet to areas affected by the devastating double earthquake that struck the Caribbean coast on Wednesday. The offer, announced by Starlink on Thursday, provides free service until July 25 to both new and existing customers in affected zones Source: hoydo. Rodríguez posted on X: "Thanks, @elonmusk and the @Starlink team, for helping those affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela with free connectivity. Every connection counts in times like these" Source: infobae.

Discrepant casualty figures

Official figures on the earthquake's toll vary. Rodríguez reported on Friday that 589 people died and 2,980 were injured, with 214 aftershocks recorded Source: diariolibree. However, Health Minister Carlos Alvarado had stated on Thursday that there were 4,300 injured Source: hoydo. Some outlets initially reported 235 deaths, but the higher figure was later confirmed by Rodríguez. The government continues rescue efforts, though the exact number of survivors remains unclear.

Political context

The aid comes as Rodríguez's interim government has restored diplomatic relations with the U.S. and enacted legislative reforms to attract investment, following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January Source: hoydo.