Countries around the world, including Iran, the US and Cuba, have committed to help with rescue efforts in Venezuela after deadly twin earthquakes hit the country on 24 June. The back-to-back quakes, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, killed at least 164 people, injured close to 1,000, and caused significant damage to Caracas and northern areas.
International response and challenges
Tommaso Della Longa, spokesman for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, noted that the earthquake compounded existing challenges in Venezuela, including an economic crisis, flooding and health issues. “We are talking about a system that in some parts was already, if not weak, then under several constraints and challenges,” he said. “If you look at the number of injuries, just to give an example, that would overwhelm any health system.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a “whole-of-government” response on Thursday, saying, “It’ll be big, it’ll be fast, and it’ll be effective.” He added that the US Department of War would play a “big logistical role”.
Regional and global solidarity
Latin American countries including Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and Cuba offered solidarity and help. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez reported that Cuban health workers were already on the scene, “fully mobilised and providing medical services to the affected population”.
The Netherlands allocated about €2m (£1.72m) for a rescue team with workers, dogs and equipment. Spain and France said they would send dozens of rescuers, Germany promised six military transport planes, and Switzerland offered emergency teams and rescue dogs.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei announced “Iran’s readiness to provide any assistance required in relief and rescue operations”, expressing “solidarity with the government and people of Venezuela”. China also said it was ready to send whatever was needed.
UN and humanitarian needs
Tom Fletcher, UN humanitarian chief, said specialist rescue teams were on their way to Venezuela to help search for survivors. He described the “solidarity and practical offers from the region and beyond were superb”. He added: “The coming days will require a massive collective effort to support the government-led response and help communities … Sustained international support for humanitarian organisations responding on the ground is essential and urgent.”
The earthquakes struck when 7.9 million people in Venezuela needed humanitarian assistance—nearly 28% of the population of 28.5 million, according to the UN. Persistent gaps in basic services including healthcare, water, education and energy remain critical for vulnerable people.
Funding shortfall and impact
Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, said: “This earthquake will deepen the suffering for millions already in dire need. More than a quarter of the country’s population needed urgent aid even before the earthquakes.”
The humanitarian response plan in Venezuela is drastically underfunded: only $146.9m (£111m) of the $632.2m promised has been delivered. The 2025 plan was just 20% funded, while the 2024 plan was 28% funded. Egeland added: “The deep suffering of the crisis-engulfed people in Venezuela has been neglected for too long … Donors must urgently step up support as this earthquake has become a catastrophe on top of a crisis. There can be no delay in this support.”
