Global Response to Venezuela Earthquakes
Countries worldwide, including Iran, the United States, and Cuba, have pledged assistance for rescue operations following devastating twin earthquakes in Venezuela.
On the evening of 24 June, Venezuela experienced two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale. These events resulted in at least 164 fatalities, nearly 1,000 injuries, and extensive damage to Caracas and northern regions of the country.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday that the United States would implement a "whole-of-government" response.
"It’ll be big, it’ll be fast, and it’ll be effective,"Rubio stated during a visit to Bahrain, noting that the Department of Defense would have a "big logistical role" in the effort.
Several Latin American nations, including Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, have also expressed solidarity and offered aid.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez confirmed that Cuban health workers were already present and fully engaged in providing medical services to those affected.
European countries have mobilized resources as well. The Netherlands committed approximately €2 million (£1.72 million) to deploy a rescue team equipped with personnel, dogs, and necessary equipment. Spain and France pledged to send dozens of rescuers, while Germany promised six military transport aircraft. Switzerland also offered emergency teams and rescue dogs.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei declared in a statement Iran’s readiness to assist in relief and rescue operations, expressing solidarity with Venezuela’s government and people.
China likewise indicated its preparedness to supply any required aid.
United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher praised the international response.
"The solidarity and practical offers from the region and beyond were superb,"he said.
"The coming days will require a massive collective effort to support the government-led response and help communities … Sustained international support for humanitarian organisations responding on the ground is essential and urgent."
Impact and Context of the Earthquake
The earthquake, the strongest recorded in Venezuela since 1900, prompted rescuers and local residents to search through collapsed buildings in darkness, seeking survivors and extracting those trapped.
This disaster struck amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, where 27.7% of the population—approximately 7.9 million people out of 28.5 million—are in need of assistance, according to the United Nations. Critical shortages in basic services such as healthcare, water, education, and energy persist, affecting the most vulnerable.
Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, emphasized the exacerbation of existing hardships.
"This earthquake will deepen the suffering for millions already in dire need. More than a quarter of the country’s population needed urgent aid even before the earthquakes."
The humanitarian response plan for Venezuela remains severely underfunded, with only $146.9 million of the requested $632.2 million delivered. The 2024 plan has received just 28% of its required funding.
Egeland further urged increased support.
"The deep suffering of the crisis-engulfed people in Venezuela has been neglected for too long … Donors must urgently step up support as this earthquake has become a catastrophe on top of a crisis. There can be no delay in this support."
