US Deploys Medical and Rescue Teams to Venezuela After Devastating Earthquake

The United States has deployed rescue and medical teams, as well as humanitarian aid, to support Venezuela following a devastating earthquake, a local official said on Thursday. “[The State Department] has deployed a disaster assistance response team and a task force to channel and coordinate critical aid for the Venezuelan people,” acting US Assistant Secretary of State for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs and Religious Freedom Jeremy Lewin said on social media platform X. “Working with our partners in the interim government of Venezuela, the US will send search and rescue teams, medical and humanitarian supplies, and other resources in the crucial first days after this tragic natural disaster,” Lewin wrote, responding to a post by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau about the quake. The United States is communicating with Venezuelan authorities and stands ready to help after a series of strong tremors, Landau wrote in Spanish. A number of partner nations have also decided to send aid to Venezuela. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa wrote on X that his country would send humanitarian aid. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele stated his readiness to deploy 300 rescue workers and medical personnel, along with 50 tonnes of equipment and aid. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also pledged assistance. Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader decided to send search and rescue teams and emergency response specialists. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also stated that India was ready to provide necessary assistance to Venezuela. Two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first quake had a magnitude of 7.2 and the second 7.5. The quakes occurred 16 kilometres from Moron and 24 kilometres from San Felipe. A RIA Novosti correspondent reported damage and casualties in Caracas. Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is currently detained in the United States, called on the Venezuelan people to unite and help one another following the major earthquake that shook the South American nation on Wednesday. “In these difficult times, we call for national unity, calm, and real help: to help one another, protect, share, strengthen, and recover. Venezuela has passed through great tests, and we will rise from this trial stronger—through faith, discipline, and solidarity,” Maduro said in a statement on platform X. The Venezuelan government has officially declared a national state of emergency following the powerful earthquake tremors that struck the country, according to Acting President Delcy Rodriguez. “We are declaring a national state of emergency, as provided for in our constitution,” Rodriguez said in a video address on Wednesday evening local time. She added that Venezuela’s main airport, Maiquetia, was forced to close completely due to severe damage. “Several areas are reported to be very badly affected. In the capital Caracas, buildings have collapsed in various areas. The states of Miranda and La Guaira also suffered significant damage… including the regions of Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcon,” Rodriguez explained. Furthermore, Rodriguez mentioned that at least 20 aftershocks had been recorded following the two main quakes. She also expressed gratitude to governments around the world that immediately contacted Venezuela after the earthquake to convey their solidarity and support. According to her, nations including the United States, Panama, Qatar, Cuba, Nicaragua, Turkey, Jordan, Colombia, Barbados, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico promptly declared their readiness to assist Venezuela. In addition, representatives from the United Nations (UN) and international financial institutions have contacted the Venezuelan government to offer assistance in post-disaster management.