The international community has pledged assistance to Venezuela following devastating earthquakes that struck the country. Two powerful tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, hit on Wednesday evening around 6:00 PM local time, causing significant damage and resulting in at least 164 deaths and 971 injuries.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that the final death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000 people. Countries around the world are preparing to support Venezuela.
Assistance from European countries
France plans to send 85 search and rescue specialists to Venezuela in response to the earthquakes, as announced by French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday. In a social media post, he stated: “France is ready, along with its European partners, to assist the affected population in response to the needs expressed by the Venezuelan authorities.”
The Spanish Ministry of Defense reported that 54 military personnel from the Emergency Military Unit are prepared to join rescue operations. The team, part of the 2nd Rapid Response Battalion, employs specially trained search dogs, cameras, and geophones in their efforts. The President of the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, stated that the Madrid rapid response and emergency team will also be deployed to assist in the search for victims. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez added in a post on X: “All my support and that of Spain to the Venezuelan people after the devastating earthquakes this evening.”
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday that the country is ready to deploy its air force, along with personnel from the Crisis Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the Fire Department, and the Civil Protection Department. The ministry’s statement reads: “The government will do everything possible to help the Venezuelan people and support the numerous Italian community residing there.”
Berlin is preparing to deploy up to six transport aircraft to provide assistance, as announced by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in a statement to AFP. “The German armed forces are ready and can operationally provide up to six A400M transport aircraft as soon as a request for support is made,” Pistorius said, adding that they can be used to transport rescuers and equipment to Venezuela, as well as for domestic flights within the country.
Reaction from the United States and El Salvador
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social account that the United States is “ready, willing, and able to help” Venezuela, and that he has instructed all government agencies to “prepare to act swiftly.” “Two strong earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are massive and have led to a devastating number of deaths,” he added. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States is “immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian aid” to the country.
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele announced that 300 rescuers and paramedics, along with 50 tons of equipment, medical supplies, and “life-essential supplies,” are ready to be sent to Caracas.
Source: Euronews