The Guardian view on Venezuela’s earthquake: a test of state capacity and Trump’s promises | Editorial

A natural disaster provides unforgiving clarity in a country already reeling from years of crisis and the unlawful US seizure of Nicolas Maduro

The devastation wrought by an earthquake is shaped by what happened before and after it as much as by the shock itself. The twin tremors that hit Venezuela moments apart last Wednesday were its biggest since 1900, at 7.2 and 7.5, and were shallow temblors, which often cause more destruction than deeper ones of similar magnitude. Aftershocks continued on Monday. At least 1,450 people have died, with tens of thousands reported missing and more than 3,000 injured. The UN estimates that there has been $6.7bn of damage - equivalent to 6% of the country's GDP -including key infrastructure; 38 hospitals are said to need repairs. Unicef says that 1.8 million people need aid.

The toll of such disasters reflects the condition of the nation before they struck, and the state's capacity to respond. While remarkable rescues in the last few days have brought joy even after the 72-hour window judgedcrucial to saving lives had closed, the picture isnot kind to Venezuela's leaders.