US to Deploy Military in Caribbean, Assist Venezuela Earthquake Victims

The United States will deploy resources from its Department of Defence to provide humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in Venezuela, the US State Department said in a statement on Thursday. “The Department has requested the unique capabilities of the US military to support disaster response and humanitarian operations in Venezuela,” the statement said. The Pentagon is playing a key role in securing logistics for the humanitarian response by utilising military assets stationed in the region and deploying personnel to accelerate the delivery of disaster relief. “The Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) and elements of US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) are working together to carry out rescue efforts in close coordination with partners on the ground,” the department said. Two powerful earthquakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela on Wednesday. La Guaira state, near Caracas, was the worst affected. A RIA Novosti correspondent reported that the state capital, the port city of La Guaira, suffered power outages and was without mobile or internet coverage. In Macuto, the nine-storey Hotel Edwards was completely destroyed. Several regional hospitals are overwhelmed, shops are closed, and public transport services are disrupted. Many people carrying suitcases and bags were seen on the streets, likely attempting to leave the city. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that Russia is exploring options to provide humanitarian aid to earthquake-stricken Venezuela.