The international community has responded with messages of solidarity and offers of assistance following the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela, killing at least 32 people and injuring hundreds.
Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude hit the same region of Venezuela on June 24, causing widespread destruction and the collapse of several buildings, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and reports from AFP journalists.
US Pledges Immediate Assistance
US President Donald Trump said the United States is prepared to assist Venezuela in the aftermath of the disaster.
“The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends.”
Mexico Expresses Solidarity
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her government had begun preparations to provide emergency support.
She stated on X that she had “ordered the necessary aid to be prepared.”
“For the time being, they have asked us for support in the form of specialist rescue and medical personnel. Mexico always stands in solidarity and always will,” she added.
El Salvador Prepares Rescue Mission
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele revealed that rescue teams were ready for deployment.
“300 rescuers and paramedics, along with 50 tons of equipment, medicines, and basic supplies, are ready to leave for Caracas,” he posted on X.
Brazil Offers Support
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed concern over the disaster and pledged assistance.
“I learned, with great concern and dismay, of the impact of the earthquake that struck Venezuela,” Lula said.
“I reaffirm our determination to support the government of Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in the recovery of the affected areas of that sister country, whose people have shown great resilience in the face of adversity.”
Cuba Mobilises Medical Teams
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez offered condolences and confirmed that Cuban medical personnel in Venezuela were already assisting victims.
“I express my deepest condolences and solidarity to the government and brother people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the loss of life and damage caused by the earthquake,” he said on X.
“Cuban health workers there are fully mobilized and providing medical services to the affected population.”
Argentina Monitoring Situation
Argentina’s government said it was closely observing developments and remained available to provide humanitarian assistance.
“The Argentine Republic is closely following the evolution of the situation and expresses its readiness to collaborate with whatever humanitarian assistance may be required, in coordination with the corresponding international organizations,” the presidency said.
“Beyond the differences that may exist between our governments, President Javier G. Milei extends his hand in solidarity to the Venezuelan people.”
Uruguay Reaffirms Support
Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi also extended support to Venezuela.
“Uruguay expresses its solidarity with the Venezuelan authorities and people. We are closely following the evolution of the situation and reiterate our willingness to collaborate in whatever the Venezuelan government deems necessary,” he said on X.
Chile Ready To Assist
Chile’s government described the earthquake as a tragedy and offered humanitarian support.
“The Chilean government expresses its solidarity with the government and people of Venezuela following the earthquake that struck this afternoon, affecting a large area of that country and causing significant material damage and possible casualties,” the foreign ministry stated.
“The Chilean government deplores this tragedy and stands ready to provide humanitarian and rescue assistance should it be required.”
Ecuador Prioritises Humanitarian Response
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced plans to send aid despite political differences.
“I have ordered the immediate dispatch of humanitarian aid to respond to this emergency. Ecuador will respond with the speed and commitment that this moment demands because, despite enormous differences, humanity must always guide a leader’s actions,” he said.
Costa Rica Sends Message Of Solidarity
Costa Rica’s presidency expressed sympathy for those affected.
“Costa Rica wholeheartedly embraces the Venezuelan people at this time of grief following the earthquake that shook their country,” the statement read.
“Our solidarity lies with every affected family and with those who are working today to save lives and rebuild hope. You are not alone.”
Dominican Republic Deploys Emergency Teams
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced the mobilisation of specialised emergency personnel.
The president said the military had prepared “specialized search, rescue, and emergency response teams” to support Venezuelan authorities.
Spain Offers Full Support
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also expressed sympathy and support.
“We offer our full support to the Venezuelan people following tonight’s devastating earthquakes,” Sánchez said.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
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