International Rescue Efforts Mobilized After Deadly Venezuela Earthquakes
Countries including the United States, Cuba, Iran and several European nations pledged assistance following twin magnitude-7 earthquakes in Venezuela that killed at least 164 people.
Twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck Venezuela on the evening of 24 June, killing at least 164 people and injuring close to 1,000. The quakes caused extensive damage in Caracas and across the northern part of the country, compounding an existing humanitarian crisis that already affects roughly 28% of the population.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies noted that Venezuela’s health system was already under severe strain from economic hardship, flooding and other health challenges, making the disaster response more difficult.
The United States announced a “whole-of-government” response, with the Department of Defense set to play a major logistical role. Cuba confirmed that its health workers were on the ground providing medical services, while Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic also expressed readiness to help.
European contributions include a €2 million allocation from the Netherlands for a rescue team with dogs and equipment, rescue personnel from Spain and France, six German military transport planes, and emergency teams and dogs from Switzerland. Iran’s foreign ministry said it was prepared to offer any needed assistance, and China indicated willingness to send support.
United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said specialist rescue teams were en route and praised the “solidarity and practical offers from the region and beyond.” He emphasized that the coming days would require a massive collective effort and sustained international backing for humanitarian organizations on the ground.
The earthquakes, the strongest in the country since 1900, occurred while 7.9 million Venezuelans already required aid. Gaps in basic services such as healthcare, water, education and energy remain critical. Jan Egeland, secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, warned that the disaster would deepen suffering for millions already in need and called for urgent donor support, noting that the 2024 and 2025 humanitarian response plans are severely underfunded.
