U.S., Cuba, Iran and Other Nations Join Venezuela Earthquake Relief Efforts
Sarah Johnson, The Guardian
A devastating double earthquake in Venezuela killed 164 people and injured nearly 1,000. The U.S., Cuba, Iran and many other nations have pledged rescue support amid the South American country's severe humanitarian crisis.
On June 24, Venezuela was struck by two consecutive earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, killing at least 164 people and injuring nearly 1,000, causing severe damage in the capital Caracas and several northern regions. This is considered the strongest earthquake to hit Venezuela since 1900.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on June 25 that Washington would launch a “whole-of-government” response, with the Department of Defense playing a major logistical role. “This will be a large, swift and effective effort,” Rubio told reporters during a visit to Bahrain.
Cuba has mobilized its medical personnel on the ground. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said Cuban health workers “have been fully deployed and are providing medical services to affected people.”
Iran also expressed readiness to help. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated, “Iran is ready to provide all necessary assistance in rescue operations,” while expressing “solidarity with the government and people of Venezuela.”
Several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic, sent condolences and pledged support.
Europe also responded strongly. The Netherlands said it would allocate about 2 million euros ($1.72 million) to send a rescue team with sniffer dogs and equipment. Spain and France committed to sending dozens of rescue workers. Germany promised six military transport aircraft. Switzerland also deployed an emergency rescue team with sniffer dogs. China declared it was ready to send whatever Venezuela needed.
Tom Fletcher, head of the UN humanitarian agency, said specialized rescue teams were en route to Venezuela to help search for survivors. “The solidarity and the offers of practical support from the region and globally are fantastic,” he said, stressing that “the coming days will require a huge collective effort” to support the government-led response.
However, the disaster comes as Venezuela is mired in a severe humanitarian crisis. According to the UN, as many as 7.9 million Venezuelans — equivalent to 27.7% of the population of 28.5 million — need humanitarian aid. Long-standing shortages in basic services such as healthcare, clean water, education and energy remain the most urgent needs.
Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, warned: “This earthquake will deepen the suffering of millions already in dire straits. More than a quarter of the population already needed emergency aid even before the earthquake struck.”
The UN’s 2025 humanitarian response plan for Venezuela is severely underfunded, having raised only $146.9 million of the $632.2 million needed, or 20% — lower than the 28% level in 2024. “The deep suffering of the Venezuelan people battered by crisis has been forgotten for too long,” Egeland urged donors to urgently increase support.
