Thirty countries assist in post-earthquake rescue operations in Venezuela

Rescue teams from 30 countries are participating in rescue operations following the devastating earthquake in Venezuela. “We are continuing rescue efforts to search for survivors. Another team from Vietnam arrived today, as did a rescue team from Cuba. We continue to strengthen cooperation,” said Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez on Monday (29/6). According to her, as of Monday there were 30 countries in Venezuela carrying out life-saving missions by participating in search and rescue operations, as well as providing support to the Venezuelan people during these difficult times. Rodriguez stated that the government has begun assessing the condition of damaged buildings. She also said families who have lost their homes will be temporarily housed in a number of camps that have been prepared. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Housing is drafting a new home construction programme. According to Rodriguez, the government is targeting thousands of affected families to obtain new housing by the end of 2026. At the same time, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that 11 Italian citizens died as a result of the earthquake in Venezuela, while the search for 40 others is still ongoing. More than 100 Italian personnel, including members of the civil protection agency, firefighters, medical staff, and search and rescue experts, have been sent to Venezuela. Italy has also distributed humanitarian aid and equipment via two military transport aircraft flights. On Wednesday (24/6), two large earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 shook Venezuela. Based on the latest official data, the death toll has reached 1,719 people, and more than 5,000 people have been injured.