Following two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes that struck Venezuela, international rescue and aid efforts have rapidly mobilized. The earthquakes, which hit on Wednesday, June 25th, have resulted in a death toll of 920 and left an estimated 3,000 people wounded. Furthermore, a website tracking missing persons, shared by opposition leaders, listed 49,500 people as unaccounted for, and the US Geological Survey predicted over 10,000 deaths. The disaster response is complicated by Venezuela's years of economic collapse and strained infrastructure.
Countries from across the Americas, including Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba, and the United States, have dispatched search and rescue teams and humanitarian aid. The United States, despite earlier tensions, has pledged a "whole-of-government response," including plans to deploy warships, transport planes, and helicopters, and mobilize $150 million in aid, with sanctions eased to facilitate the relief. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that search and rescue efforts are the most immediate need, with teams deployed from Virginia and Los Angeles. Major General Kevin J. Jarrard of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has arrived in Caracas to coordinate US Department of Defense support.
Beyond the Americas, nations worldwide are contributing to the relief efforts. The United Nations is coordinating international rescue teams, noting that 8 million people in Venezuela required humanitarian assistance even before the quake. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has released $2.5 million for recovery, and Pope Leo XIV sent an initial $114,000. Turkiye, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and China are all sending specialists, search and rescue teams, medical personnel, and equipment. Chef Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen has begun distributing meals in Caracas and his Longer Tables Fund will contribute $1 million.
Several non-governmental organizations are also on the ground or providing support. Global Empowerment Mission is collaborating with We Love Foundation to ship emergency supplies to Caracas. Direct Relief is funding Spanish Bomberos Unidos Sin Fronteras (BUSF) for search-and-rescue and is ready to send medical supplies. The Venezuelan Red Cross, despite damage to its own headquarters, continues to operate its nationwide network of hospitals and clinics, with support from Red Cross Societies in neighboring countries. Airlink is facilitating transport and logistics for nonprofits, while Catholic Relief Services is working with Caritas Venezuela for shelter, food, water, and medical care. Global Impact has set up a Venezuela Earthquakes Response fund for UNICEF USA and Save the Children. SpaceX's Starlink announced free service in affected areas and is deploying terminals to restore communications.
