Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, struck northern Venezuela on the afternoon of June 24 within 40 seconds of each other, causing major damage in six states and panic and terror among the population. At least 30 aftershocks followed the initial quakes, and tremors were felt in surrounding countries. The international response has been impressive, with every government in the Americas and humanitarian organizations in Europe and Asia offering aid in the form of supplies, medical assistance, search and rescue teams, with more rescue and qualified personnel preparing to travel to Venezuela.
The Cuban medical doctors already present in Venezuela are fully mobilized to provide assistance, according to Cuba’s Foreign Ministry. Brazilian President Lula was on the phone with acting President Delcy Rodriguez, offering “all the aid necessary” for Venezuela, and will be sending nine tons of medical and other assistance over the next three days, including a field hospital and specialized personnel. But supplies are flowing in from around the Western Hemisphere and the world. The Russian and Chinese governments expressed their condolences to Venezuela and said through their spokesmen that they are prepared to provide whatever assistance Venezuela might request.
As of this writing, the death toll stands at 188, with 1,500 injured and, at the very least, 157 missing, although the figures on this are contradictory. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), this was one of the biggest seismic events to occur in 125 years of Venezuelan history. President Rodriguez has declared a state of emergency and personally visited the port city of La Guaira to oversee search and rescue operations, as this was one of the most severely damaged areas, where even “well built” buildings collapsed. There is great concern about the fate of the poorer population, whose precarious houses are located on the hillsides above the city. The damage in the capital of Caracas was significant, as several buildings collapsed and buried their inhabitants under the rubble. The Simon Bolivar International Airport in Maiquetia has been temporarily closed, due to structural damage to some of its buildings.
President Donald Trump has offered a “quick” emergency response posting to Truth Social that the USA “is ready, willing and able to help. I’ve instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends.” New and great friends? Most Venezuelans would question that. According to Reuters, the State Department is sending disaster response teams and task forces, search and rescue teams, medical and humanitarian supplies and other resources.
