International AssistanceMobilized for Venezuela After Catastrophic Quake

June 25 (Reuters) – International governments and humanitarian groups have commenced the delivery of cash, rescue personnel, and other assistance to Venezuela following two major earthquakes on Wednesday that killed at least 188 individuals and injured over 1,500, with further casualties anticipated.

The consecutive quakes, registering 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude and occurring about 160 km (100 miles) west of Caracas, damaged at least 250 structures and have left roughly 200 people trapped in debris, according to the latest count.

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

U.N. humanitarian affairs chief Tom Fletcher stated that his office is coordinating the deployment of international urban search-and-rescue teams.

“The coming days will demand a massive collective effort to support the government‑led response and assist affected communities,” he said.

Approximately eight million people in the country required humanitarian assistance even before the quake, he added, and the disaster could further increase their vulnerability.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Search‑and‑rescue teams have been deployed from Virginia and Los Angeles, with additional teams to follow, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters.

“Their most immediate need is search‑and‑rescue operations,” Rubio said.

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo has contributed €100,000 (approximately $114,000) from the Vatican’s charitable fund to support quake relief in Venezuela, according to Vatican media.

World Central Kitchen

Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, announced on Thursday that his team has started delivering meals in Caracas, and on X he said the Longer Tables Fund will immediately provide $1 million to assist Venezuela.

The Saviour

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele posted on X that 300 rescue workers and paramedics are ready to travel to Venezuela, accompanied by 50 tons of medical supplies.

Mexico

A group of rescue workers and medical personnel departed for Venezuela on Thursday, President Claudia Sheinbaum said, though she did not specify the team’s size. She noted that Mexico will assess on Friday whether to provide additional assistance.

Spain

Spain’s Ministry of Defense announced that a military aircraft will transport 57 members of its search‑and‑rescue unit and 40 firefighters from the Madrid region to Venezuela, and its development agency intends to establish a field hospital there.

Italy

Italy’s Civil Protection agency announced it is dispatching an advance team to Venezuela to prepare and coordinate the subsequent deployment of additional rescuers.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said firefighters, the Ministry of Defense, and the air force are being mobilized to provide assistance.

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