Following catastrophic earthquakes that struck Venezuela late last night, the United States has launched an immediate, whole-of-government humanitarian operation. Within hours of the disaster, the White House authorized substantial financial aid, the deployment of specialized search-and-rescue units, and close coordination with Venezuela’s interim authorities to address the urgent needs of those affected.
The State Department is leading the rapid response, underscoring the critical importance of life-saving intervention during the initial hours of a hemispheric disaster. A regional Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART)—including two elite urban search-and-rescue squads—is deploying to locate and extract survivors. In Washington, a dedicated task force has been established to coordinate public and private sector partners, assess ground conditions, and assist any U.S. citizens impacted by the tremors.
Beyond immediate rescue and airlift operations, the U.S. is committing $150 million in humanitarian assistance through implementing partners. This package draws on $50 million in new bilateral awards to organizations already operating inside Venezuela—including World Vision, Samaritan’s Purse, Catholic Relief Services, International Medical Corps, the International Organization for Migration, and the World Food Programme—alongside a $100 million contribution to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Venezuela pooled fund. The Department is also facilitating logistical coordination between aid groups and interim authorities.
The operation is being conducted in tight coordination with the Department of War (DoW), leveraging its unmatched logistical and operational capacity to move personnel, equipment, and relief supplies into hard-hit zones. Securing supply lines remains the first priority for a disaster of this magnitude. DoW will employ fixed-wing and rotary aircraft to provide specialized mobility, support damage assessments, locate the injured, and deliver critical aid.
A Swift, Integrated Government Response: As the lead federal agency, the State Department has activated an interagency coordination cell backed by robust DoW engagement. This includes leveraging pre-positioned military assets in the region and forward-deploying staff to maximize speed and effectiveness. The Venezuela Earthquake Response Task Force—stood up within hours of the event—integrates expertise from the Bureaus of Disaster and Humanitarian Response and Consular Affairs, DoW, and other interagency partners. Senior leaders with direct experience managing recent regional crises, such as Hurricane Melissa, are directing the effort to ensure immediate operational readiness.
DART Deployment: The regional DART provides world-class disaster expertise, technical support, operational leadership, and real-time, on-the-ground coordination. Composed of disaster specialists from across the State Department, the team is responsible for assessing conditions, identifying priority needs, and directing the U.S. government’s disaster response. It is working closely with existing embassy staff and diplomats to coordinate with local authorities and partner organizations.
Urban Search-and-Rescue Teams: Two urban search-and-rescue teams—drawn from the Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles County, California fire departments—have been activated as part of the DART. These units serve as the Department’s primary international rescue assets, each staffed by highly trained firefighters, physicians, structural engineers, and canine specialists. Both teams were previously deployed for Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, where they conducted assessments in Jamaica, cleared debris to restore access, and facilitated relief commodity transport.
DoW Deployment: The State Department has requested the unique capabilities of the U.S. military to support the state-led humanitarian mission. DoW is playing a pivotal role in securing logistics, utilizing regional military assets and forward-deployed personnel to accelerate aid delivery. The DART and elements from U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) are executing life-saving operations in close coordination with ground partners, drawing on SOUTHCOM’s regional presence for rapid, sustained support.
Protecting U.S. Citizens: The safety of American citizens remains the administration’s highest priority. The State Department is working around the clock to provide consular assistance to U.S. nationals and their families in affected areas while monitoring recovery developments. Americans in Venezuela can contact the Department 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444; friends and family in the United States can call toll-free at +1-888-407-4747. U.S. citizens in Venezuela are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at STEP.state.gov for security updates, review the Venezuela Travel Advisory, and follow @TravelGov and @USEmbassyVE on social media for real-time information.
A dedicated Venezuela Earthquakes Information webpage has been established to provide the latest updates and resources related to the U.S. response.
The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to helping Venezuela recover from this devastating disaster and will continue to pursue additional avenues to deliver meaningful assistance during this critical period.