Countries offer aid after Venezuela quakes kill at least 32
Two strong earthquakes hit near Venezuela’s coast within a minute, prompting a state of emergency and offers of foreign assistance.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Governments across the Americas and beyond offered help to Venezuela after two strong earthquakes killed at least 32 people, according to Al Jazeera. The disaster has disrupted transport, prompted a state of emergency and raised fears of wider damage.
The United States Geological Survey said the first quake, with a magnitude of 7.2, struck on Thursday west of Moron, about 168km west of Caracas. The USGS said a second quake, measured at magnitude 7.5, hit near the same area one minute later.
The USGS warned that high casualties and extensive damage were probable and said the disaster was likely widespread. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency and said Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas had closed because of damage, Al Jazeera reported.
Regional governments offer support
Argentina’s presidency said President Javier Milei expressed solidarity with Venezuelans despite political differences between the two governments. Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz said his country was ready to provide support if needed.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he had directed Brazil’s Foreign Ministry and embassy in Caracas to assess what assistance could be offered. Uruguay’s President Yamandu Orsi said his government was prepared to cooperate in any way requested by Venezuelan authorities.
Colombia’s District Institute of Risk Management and Climate Change said it had activated its emergency response team and contacted Venezuelan officials to coordinate technical and operational help. The agency also said no damage or structural problems had been reported in Bogota after the earthquake was felt in the Colombian capital.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said Cuban health workers in Venezuela were mobilised and treating affected residents. He also sent condolences to Venezuela’s government and people over the deaths and damage.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said he had ordered humanitarian aid to be sent immediately to Caracas. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said 300 rescuers and paramedics, along with 50 tonnes of equipment, medicines and essential supplies, were ready to leave for the Venezuelan capital.
Offers from outside Latin America
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain supported the Venezuelan people and was thinking of the victims and their families. Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation was prepared to provide emergency assistance.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was following the situation with deep concern and working to activate humanitarian aid channels and assistance for Italians. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he was saddened by the loss of life and expressed condolences to Venezuela’s government and people.
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry expressed sympathy for Venezuelans and regret over the damage and disruption. Panama’s President Jose Raul Mulino said Panama stood in solidarity with Venezuela and offered humanitarian aid.
US President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the United States was ready to help and that government agencies had been told to prepare to act quickly. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US was immediately deploying search-and-rescue teams, medical resources and humanitarian assistance.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.