US, El Salvador, Ecuador dispatch rescue teams; humanitarian aid pours in as at least 700 confirmed injured

A building in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, about 30 kilometers northwest of Caracas, lies damaged after the earthquake. Rescue workers and residents search the rubble for survivors. [AFP]
A building in Catia La Mar, La Guaira state, about 30 kilometers northwest of Caracas, lies damaged after the earthquake. Rescue workers and residents search the rubble for survivors. [AFP]

The United States and neighboring Latin American countries have launched relief efforts for Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes left at least 700 people injured and caused widespread destruction.

Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday (local time) that "the United States is willing and able to help Venezuela," adding that he had directed all government agencies to be ready to move quickly. "We will be there for our new and great friends," Trump wrote, noting that "early reports are not good."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, traveling in the Middle East, posted on X that "the United States extends its deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes." The Department of State was immediately deploying search-and-rescue teams, medical resources and humanitarian assistance at Trump's direction, he said.

Jeremy Lewin, undersecretary for foreign assistance, announced that the Department of State had activated a disaster response team and task force for Venezuela. "In the critical first days immediately following a natural disaster, we will send search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies and other humanitarian aid to Venezuela," Lewin said.

Neighboring Latin American countries also moved swiftly to offer assistance. El Salvador President Nayib Bukele issued a statement expressing "deep condolences to the Venezuelan people in this difficult time" and said he was sending "full solidarity and prayers." Bukele added that he was ready to immediately dispatch a rescue team of 300 personnel.

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said he planned to send military units specialized in search-and-rescue operations to Venezuela early Thursday.

Ecuador President Daniel Noboa also announced measures to send immediate humanitarian aid to Venezuela. According to The New York Times, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva directed his country's Foreign Ministry to review options for assistance.

Bolivia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing "solidarity with the people of Venezuela, a brotherly nation." Mexico's Foreign Ministry also released an official statement conveying "deep solidarity with the Venezuelan people and profound regret over the damage and impact caused by this disaster." The Chilean government expressed solidarity with Venezuela and said it was "willing to provide humanitarian aid and rescue operations."

The back-to-back earthquakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, have killed at least 32 people and injured 700 in Venezuela. Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and the death and injury tolls are expected to rise as rescue teams begin searching through the rubble.


kate01@heraldcorp.com