Various countries are deploying rescue teams to Venezuela and pledges of foreign aid are pouring in a day after twin earthquakes destroyed neighborhoods and devastated communities.
The United States is deploying elite rescue teams, medical resources and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela. The State Department announced the US will provide $150 million in aid. And the US military is directing its forces in the region to support relief operations, including the amphibious transport ship USS Fort Lauderdale and transport aircraft.
The United Nations said it is coordinating the deployment of urban search-and-rescue teams to Venezuela.
Neighboring Colombia announced it would send humanitarian aid as well as more than 60 rescuers and four dogs to help with search efforts.
El Salvador sent a contingent of 300 rescuers and paramedics to Venezuela on Thursday, and the government said it arranged the shipment of 50 metric tons of humanitarian aid, including medicine and essential supplies, Reuters reported.
Chile has sent a specialized unit of the Chilean fire department, USAR (Urban Search and Rescue), to Venezuela, Reuters reported.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said health personnel from Cuba are “actively cooperating in the care of the victims” in Venezuela, though he didn’t provide details.
The Dominican Republic has flown in specialized personnel and supplies, according to Reuters.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said he has ordered the dispatch of a rescue mission and personnel from the National Civil Protection System. Donation centers have been set up and people in Panama have been rushing to donate supplies.
Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it will send aid supplies, provide funding and deploy a field hospital. A military plane is also bringing 57 soldiers from its search-and-rescue unit and 40 firefighters.
Mexico sent two Mexican Air Force transport planes carrying 261 personnel, including soldiers, air force members and National Guard troops to Venezuela on Thursday, Reuters reported. The contingent included doctors, nurses and specialized search-and-rescue teams. Authorities said the mission is delivering 4.4 tons of equipment and 2.7 tons of medical supplies. A separate C-130 Hercules aircraft is expected to leave with an additional eight metric tons of medicine and four tons of rescue materials.
France said it is deploying a search-and-rescue unit, medical teams, engineers and dogs to help locate and extract survivors from collapsed buildings, according to Reuters.
Pope Leo has sent an initial aid package worth 100,000 euros (roughly $113,700).
Japanese NGO Peace Winds, that provides emergency humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and reconstruction support to crisis-affected areas, is on its way. to Venezuela.
The European Union said it “stands ready” to mobilize assistance if it receives a request.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced the country’s “readiness” to provide assistance in relief and rescue operations.
China, which has close ties to Venezuela, said it is “willing to provide assistance within its capabilities.”
Various organizations and even civilian volunteers have also joined rescue efforts.