A catastrophic set of earthquakes has struck northern Venezuela, leaving at least 235 people dead and injuring over 940. The back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, which occurred roughly 120 miles west of Caracas, have turned the state of La Guaira into a disaster zone. The rare earthquake "doublet" has also forced the closure of the damaged Simón Bolívar International Airport. The affected areas are in dire need of humanitarian aid and rescue operations.
In response to the disaster, a government-wide humanitarian response has been activated, pledging $150 million in aid to support relief efforts. The aid package includes $50 million in new bilateral awards for relief partners on the ground, as well as a $100 million contribution to a humanitarian pooled fund. This rapid mobilization aims to provide critical assistance to those affected by the earthquakes.
To spearhead efforts on the ground, a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team has been deployed, alongside two highly specialized urban search-and-rescue teams from fire departments in the United States. Additionally, U.S. military forces have been surged to the region, with two U.S. Navy warships, the USS Fort Lauderdale and the USS Billings, being directed to Venezuela to support the relief operations. The USS Fort Lauderdale will serve as a "floating command center" with a flight deck and a well deck to launch landing craft.
The USS Billings will provide critical support close to the shorelines, accelerating the disaster response missions. Rotary-wing aircraft will also be deployed to provide life-saving airlift support, transporting response personnel, search and rescue teams, and partners during relief operations. The safety of citizens in the affected areas remains the highest priority, with officials working tirelessly to provide consular assistance to those in need.
Citizens in the affected areas are urged to take necessary precautions and seek assistance when needed. Those in the area can contact emergency services for assistance, and family members seeking information on loved ones can reach out for support. The commitment to helping those affected by the disaster remains steadfast, with efforts to explore additional ways to provide meaningful assistance during this critical time.
