CARACAS: The international community has mobilised rapidly to support Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes devastated parts of the country, killing at least 235 people and injuring more than 1,500, with rescue efforts continuing amid fears that more survivors remain trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced that United Nations-certified search-and-rescue specialists would join local emergency teams to assist in locating survivors and supporting relief operations in the worst-affected areas.
A wave of international assistance has followed the disaster, with several European nations deploying specialised rescue personnel and equipment. Spain and France are sending teams of emergency responders, while Germany has pledged six military transport aircraft to facilitate relief operations.
Switzerland has mobilised 80 rescue personnel, eight search dogs and 18 tonnes of specialist equipment, while the Netherlands has committed a €2 million aid package to support the deployment of a search-and-rescue mission. The Czech Republic has also confirmed that its emergency response team is preparing to travel to Venezuela.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has released $2.5 million to support immediate humanitarian and recovery efforts. Meanwhile, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV had authorised an initial emergency contribution of €100,000 to assist victims of the disaster.
The United States has pledged $150 million in humanitarian assistance after Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised a swift, coordinated government response. President Donald Trump also reaffirmed Washington’s support, saying the United States would stand by the Venezuelan people during the crisis.
China expressed its willingness to provide assistance based on Venezuela’s requirements, while Iran offered support for relief and rescue operations through its foreign ministry.
Across Latin America, neighbouring countries have also stepped forward with aid and emergency personnel. Brazil will dispatch a field hospital, 36 firefighters and communications specialists aboard two relief flights scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
Mexico is sending military rescuers and medical personnel, with President Claudia Sheinbaum pledging additional assistance if required. El Salvador has prepared 300 rescuers, paramedics and 50 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, while Cuba confirmed that its medical teams were already providing healthcare services in the affected areas.
Chile has announced the deployment of humanitarian aid and rescue teams, and Colombia—where the earthquakes were also felt—will send more than 60 rescuers along with 12 tonnes of emergency supplies. President Gustavo Petro reaffirmed Colombia’s commitment to supporting its neighbour during the crisis.
Argentina, Costa Rica and Uruguay have conveyed messages of solidarity, while Ecuador and the Dominican Republic have also prepared humanitarian assistance for delivery.
Condolences have continued to arrive from around the world. Japan expressed sympathy for those affected despite experiencing a separate magnitude-7.2 earthquake of its own on Thursday, which caused no significant damage.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez pledged his country’s full support for Venezuela, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also offered condolences to the victims and their families.
France reaffirmed its solidarity with Venezuela, while confirming that its embassy in Caracas had sustained damage during the earthquakes.
Despite their ongoing conflict, both Ukraine and Russia extended condolences to Venezuela. The European Union has activated its satellite-based emergency mapping system to assist rescue operations, with EU humanitarian officials indicating that additional support remains available if requested.
As international rescue teams continue arriving and humanitarian assistance gathers pace, hopes remain that more survivors can be found, even as Venezuela begins confronting the enormous challenge of recovery and rebuilding following one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in recent years.
