International search and rescue teams are assisting with recovery efforts in Venezuela after two earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday, according to government officials. As of Friday, authorities reported the death toll has risen to 235, with an additional 4,300 people injured.
The earthquakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurred on June 24. Health Minister Carlos Alvarado stated that hospitals were “full of patients” in the aftermath.
Significant damage was reported in the coastal state of La Guaira. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said that more than 100 buildings in the state had collapsed and at least 70,000 families were affected. The country’s main international airport, located in the region, was closed due to damage.
In a televised message, Acting President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed that United Nations-certified rescuers would assist in the search for survivors. Tom Fletcher, the U.N.’s aid chief, said, “To the Venezuelan people, to those whose loved ones are under the rubble, know that we are determined that help gets to you.”
Multiple countries have sent or offered humanitarian aid and personnel. The United States government announced a response that includes mobilizing $150 million in aid, along with transport planes and helicopters. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the response would be “big… fast and… effective.”
From South America, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced the dispatch of a field hospital and firefighters. Colombia’s disaster management agency said it would send more than 60 rescuers and 12 tons of humanitarian aid.
Nations across the Americas also contributed. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated her country was sending a military team of rescuers and medical personnel. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said he had readied 300 rescuers and 50 tons of equipment and supplies. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez reported that Cuban health workers in Venezuela were mobilized to provide medical services.
Global support has also been organized. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) released $2.5 million for recovery efforts. Turkiye sent a 67-person team of experts, medics, and aid workers. China’s government and Red Cross Society announced they will provide emergency humanitarian aid, a rescue team, and medical relief.
Several European nations are also participating. Spain and France are sending specialists, while Germany promised six military transport planes. Switzerland mobilized 80 personnel and 18 tons of equipment. The Netherlands announced a €2 million aid package to deploy a search and rescue team. The Vatican announced it has sent an initial €100,000 ($114,000) in emergency aid.
In the affected areas, residents described the conditions on the ground. “We lost everything. We have no food or medicines,” said Pedro Perez, a 64-year-old resident of La Guaira, who reported losing his home and business.
In Caracas, some residents spent Wednesday night outdoors. “People are afraid to go back into their houses,” journalist Maria Emilia Miro Quesada reported to Al Jazeera from the capital.
