- Global rescue effort intensifies after deadly Venezuela earthquakes
- U.S., Europe mobilize emergency aid as Caracas battles quake devastation
- Rubio pledges rapid U.S. response as earthquake toll mounts
At least 235 people have been confirmed dead after two powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela, shaking the capital Caracas and several surrounding regions, according to Venezuela’s health minister, while rescue teams continue a desperate search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings, and international humanitarian support gathers momentum to assist the country’s growing recovery and relief efforts.
With fears growing that the death toll may rise significantly, emergency crews remain engaged in a race against time to locate survivors beneath the rubble while global support for Venezuela’s recovery effort continues to build.
An international humanitarian response is rapidly gathering momentum after devastating twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, leaving widespread destruction, mounting casualties, and thousands feared trapped beneath collapsed buildings and damaged infrastructure.
The powerful quakes, both measuring above magnitude 7, triggered extensive damage across several regions of the country, with rescue operations intensifying amid growing concerns over access, communications, and transportation disruptions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Washington would launch what he described as a “whole-of-government” response to support rescue and relief efforts in Venezuela.
Speaking during a visit to Bahrain, Rubio acknowledged that logistical challenges could complicate international assistance operations, particularly after damage sustained by the main international airport in La Guaira.
“The Department of War is going to have to play a major logistical role because they have the ability to land in difficult locations,” Rubio told reporters, referring to the newly renamed U.S. Department of Defense.
He stressed that the American response would be “big, fast, and effective,” emphasizing that the immediate priority remains rescuing survivors trapped under debris.
“Right now we are worried about people trapped in the rubble. We want to help get them out,” Rubio said, noting that some victims may have relatives living in the United States.
Despite ongoing tensions between Washington and Caracas following the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro earlier this year, Rubio indicated that geopolitical considerations were secondary to humanitarian concerns at this stage.
The disaster has also prompted a swift response from European leaders.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and pledged support for emergency relief efforts.
“The news of the terrible earthquake in Venezuela has left us deeply saddened. Germany stands with Venezuela and will provide assistance,” Merz said in a statement.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also pledged rapid humanitarian aid, while Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Germany could deploy up to six A400M military transport aircraft to assist with rescue logistics, transportation of emergency personnel, and delivery of humanitarian supplies.
France has likewise moved quickly to support international rescue efforts. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that Paris is dispatching a specialized team of 85 rescue personnel following discussions with Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez.
Macron said France stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan people and extended condolences to families affected by the tragedy.
Early reports indicate that severe damage has been concentrated in and around the capital Caracas and the northern coastal state of La Guaira, where authorities declared a disaster zone following extensive destruction, including damage to key airport infrastructure.
However, experts warn that the areas closest to the epicenters may face even more devastating conditions.
The earthquakes struck approximately 160 kilometers west of Caracas, affecting several densely populated urban centers including San Felipe, Puerto Cabello, and Valencia — Venezuela’s third-largest city with a population exceeding 1.6 million residents, dw.com reports.
San Felipe, located only around 20 kilometers from the epicenters, is believed to be among the worst-affected inland cities, while the strategic port city of Puerto Cabello also suffered significant tremors due to its exposed coastal location.
Rescue teams continue to face difficult conditions as damaged roads, disrupted communications, and unstable structures hamper access to affected communities.
International aid agencies and governments are expected to expand assistance operations in the coming days as the scale of the humanitarian disaster becomes clearer.
Analysts warn that the earthquakes could further deepen Venezuela’s already fragile economic and social conditions, increasing pressure on critical infrastructure, healthcare services, and food supply chains at a time when the country remains vulnerable to political and economic instability.
With fears growing that the death toll may rise significantly, emergency crews remain engaged in a race against time to locate survivors beneath the rubble while global support for Venezuela’s recovery effort continues to build.
