Earthquake in Venezuela: How Will Sanctions Impact Relief Efforts?

Venezuela declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck on June 24, killing at least 164 people and injuring nearly 1,000. Numerous buildings collapsed in the capital Caracas and other cities.

In the immediate aftermath, the U.S. said it was in contact with the Venezuelan government and mobilizing support for the South American nation, which has been heavily affected by sanctions from Washington for years.

Earlier this year, the U.S. partially lifted sanctions after the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro in January 2026. The interim government led by Delcy Rodriguez, a Maduro ally, now has stable relations with the Trump administration, which is seeking to reestablish investment in Venezuela's oil sector.

President Trump was among the first leaders to pledge aid to Venezuela. On Truth Social, he wrote: “America is ready, willing, and able to help! I have directed all government agencies to prepare to act quickly. We will be there for our new and wonderful friends.”

In response, Mrs. Rodriguez thanked Mr. Trump “for offering support and solidarity with the Venezuelan people in the face of the tragedy that has plunged us into grief.”

However, experts point to two main concerns in discussions about relief efforts. Sarah Schiffling, Deputy Director of the HUMLOG Institute in Finland, which specializes in humanitarian logistics, said: “On one hand, aid may not reach those in need. On the other, this disaster could be exploited by the U.S. to increase its influence in Venezuela.”

Current Sanctions

In addition to U.S. sanctions targeting specific individuals and groups since 2005, the European Union (EU) and the UK have imposed measures against Venezuela since 2017, citing political repression and democratic backsliding. According to the EU, the measures include an arms embargo and equipment used for internal repression, travel bans, and asset freezes against listed individuals.

The U.S. lifted sanctions on Mrs. Rodriguez earlier this year. In April 2026, the U.S. Treasury Department announced a new license allowing transactions with certain Venezuelan banks and individuals. However, Mrs. Rodriguez argued this is insufficient to lift Venezuela out of its economic crisis and called for further easing.

Impact on Relief Operations

According to Ms. Schiffling, financial sanctions make it difficult for NGOs to transfer money into Venezuela to pay staff or suppliers. Administrative burdens also slow down importing goods and bringing in personnel. Additionally, aid agencies may hesitate or suspend operations due to fear of inadvertently violating restrictions.

More importantly, sanctions affect Venezuela's domestic market. Oil and financial sanctions from the U.S., Canada, and the EU have worsened the economic crisis. According to UN data from 2024, nearly 80% of Venezuelans live in poverty, with many lacking adequate access to food and essential medicines.

Michael Fakhri, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, stated that sanctions are one of the main factors limiting the government's ability to implement social protection programs. He noted that shortages of affordable food, malnutrition, and livelihood deterioration have led to mass migration.

Ms. Schiffling said the earthquake “hits a population already in dire straits and with little capacity to cope with further disruption.” The domestic market for essential goods may not meet demand, making shipments from abroad even more urgent.

U.S. Response

U.S. State Department official Jeremy Lewin said Washington is “sending search and rescue teams, medical and humanitarian supplies” in coordination with Venezuela's interim government. However, Ms. Schiffling warned that humanitarian principles of impartiality, neutrality, and independence are often not respected in practice. The U.S. may seek to position itself to increase influence in Venezuela.

Since the capture of Mr. Maduro in January, Washington has sought economic gain by taking control of the oil industry. Mr. Trump claimed the military operation lasted “exactly 48 minutes” but the U.S. recovered costs 28 times over through oil extraction. Mr. Trump has pledged to “run” Venezuela and warned of a second military wave if Mrs. Rodriguez does not comply.

In response, Mrs. Rodriguez signed a law facilitating foreign investment in the oil sector, estimated at $8 billion. Observers believe she had little choice. Currently, the earthquake could pave the way for direct U.S. investment in immediate needs like drinking water infrastructure and long-term reconstruction projects.

Operations in areas with poor security like Venezuela may require relief workers to be escorted by armed groups to reach people. Ms. Schiffling noted: “This compromises neutrality, as the organization may be seen as aligned with the armed group. With government funding, there is always the question of whether the money is only given for purposes serving a particular political agenda.”