Many Nations Pledge Aid to Venezuela After Devastating Earthquakes

Two devastating earthquakes struck in quick succession on June 25, causing severe damage across Venezuela. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the first quake, magnitude 7.2, occurred about 160 kilometers west of the capital Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor—the strongest recorded in the country since 1900.

As of June 27, authorities confirmed 235 dead and more than 4,300 injured. Jorge Rodriguez, President of the Venezuelan National Assembly, said 200 people remain trapped and 250 buildings have been damaged or destroyed nationwide.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared: “To the Venezuelan people whose loved ones are under the rubble, know that we are determined to bring you help.” UN-certified rescue teams will assist in searching for survivors.

Aid from the Americas

United States: The U.S. pledged a “whole-of-government” response, including the deployment of warships, transport planes, and helicopters, along with $150 million in aid. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the response would be “large, fast, and effective.”

Brazil: President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced the dispatch of a field hospital, dozens of firefighters, and support personnel. A KC-390 aircraft will carry 36 firefighters, 8 risk-assessment and telecommunications specialists, and 9 tons of equipment. A second flight on Saturday will bring a field hospital assembly kit, 100 solar-powered water purifiers, medicines, and medical supplies.

El Salvador: President Nayib Bukele said 300 rescue workers and medical staff, along with 50 tons of equipment, medicine, and essential supplies, have been deployed.

Cuba: Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez announced that Cuban medical personnel are “fully mobilized and providing health services to affected people.”

Mexico: President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico is sending a military medical and rescue team and stands ready to provide additional aid if needed.

Colombia: The neighboring country, also affected by the quakes, will send more than 60 rescue personnel and 12 tons of humanitarian aid.

Other organizations and nations

United Nations: Relief chief Tom Fletcher pledged: “Know that we are determined to bring you help.”

IFRC: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies released $2.5 million for recovery support.

Vatican: Pope Leo XIV sent an initial emergency aid package worth €100,000 (about $114,000).

Turkey: A team of 67 search-and-rescue specialists, medical staff, and relief workers is scheduled to depart Istanbul on the morning of June 28.

Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that a plane carrying two government-funded rescue teams and relief workers to assess on-the-ground needs has been dispatched.

Germany: Pledged to provide six military transport aircraft.

Switzerland: Mobilized 80 personnel, rescue dogs, and 18 tons of equipment for deployment as soon as possible.

France: President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that a team of 85 search-and-clearance specialists is being “immediately deployed.”

Netherlands: Announced a €2 million ($2.28 million) aid package to fund a search-and-rescue team.

India: Sent two Indian Air Force planes carrying a 41-member medical team, including resuscitation specialists, trauma experts, and surgeons, along with 35 tons of emergency supplies including a field hospital and medical equipment.

China: Announced it will provide emergency humanitarian aid, along with a rescue and medical team.

The earthquakes have worsened Venezuela’s already difficult situation, with many hospitals operating below capacity and facing shortages of doctors and engineers. Preliminary estimates put economic losses at between 1% and 7% of Venezuela’s $111 billion GDP. Analysts say rescue efforts are hampered by heavy U.S. and Western sanctions, which make it difficult for aid organizations to transfer funds or pay staff through banks.