International community pledges aid to Venezuela after devastating earthquakes
Poinews.com – Two consecutive quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, prompting global efforts to assist the nation in its recovery. The tremors, which occurred around 6 pm local time, caused significant damage and resulted in at least 164 fatalities, with over 971 individuals injured. The US Geological Survey (USGS) has indicated the death toll could rise to between 10,000 and 100,000.
France’s Contribution
French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to send 85 search and rescue specialists to Venezuela, emphasizing France’s readiness to collaborate with European allies. In a social media post, he stated:
“France stands ready, alongside its European partners, to provide assistance to the affected populations in response to the needs expressed by the Venezuelan authorities.”
Spain’s Rapid Response Team
Spain’s military emergency unit, comprising 54 personnel from the 2nd Emergency Intervention Battalion, is prepared to support rescue efforts. The team employs trained search dogs, cameras, and geophones to locate survivors. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also pledged aid, writing on X:
“All my support, and that of Spain, to the Venezuelan people following the devastating earthquakes of this evening.”
Italy’s Comprehensive Effort
Italy has committed to deploying its air force and personnel from multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Fire Brigade, and Civil Protection Department. The Foreign Ministry highlighted:
“The Government will do everything possible to help the Venezuelan people and stand by the large Italian community living there.”
Germany’s Airborne Support
Defence Minister Boris Pistorius confirmed that up to six A400M transport aircraft would be available for rapid deployment. “The German armed forces stands ready and can make up to six A400M transport aircraft available at short notice as soon as support is requested from us,” he noted, adding that the planes would facilitate both rescue operations and internal transport within Venezuela.
US Government’s Immediate Action
President Donald Trump stated via his Truth Social account that the United States was “ready, willing, and able to help” Venezuela. He directed all federal agencies to prepare for swift action. “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 remarked. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate deployment of search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian aid.
El Salvador’s Deployment
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele revealed that 300 rescuers and paramedics, along with 50 tons of medical supplies and essential equipment, would be sent to Caracas. This highlights the multi-faceted international response to the disaster, with nations mobilizing both human and material resources to aid Venezuela’s recovery.
