The US doubled its aid to Venezuela to $300 million following two devastating earthquakes that struck the country five days ago. The US military announced that repair work at La Guaira Port has been completed and the port has become operational for delivering aid supplies.
A US official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Marines were deployed to the area for the port repairs. The official said an expert team worked around the clock to repair the port and ensure delivery of vital supplies by sea, and that the amphibious transport dock USS Fort Lauderdale had docked at the port.
International Support
French President Emmanuel Macron posted on platform X that civil security teams have arrived in Venezuela and are supporting rescue efforts. Venezuelan authorities announced that approximately 1,000 tons of aid supplies, over 3,600 rescue personnel, and 118 search and rescue dogs have been sent from 30 countries.
Meanwhile, hopes of finding survivors under the rubble are fading, but rescue teams are still conducting search operations for survivors. Venezuela's National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez reported that the death toll from the earthquakes has risen to at least 1,719. Rodriguez noted that 774 buildings have been damaged, of which 189 have completely collapsed.
Reaction to Inadequate Response
Residents in the towns hardest hit by the earthquake complain of insufficient aid and the government's lack of a coordinated response. In the mountainous El Junquito area, 33 kilometers west of the capital Caracas, residents say very few officials have arrived and basic needs are being met by farmers and locals.
Kelly Ibarra, a 33-year-old nail care specialist, is organizing complaints against the authorities. "We are waiting for a response, we want the rubble cleared, searches conducted, and help for those truly affected," said Ibarra, calling on the government to "do what needs to be done."
Massive Destruction and Economic Burden
Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale caused approximately $7 billion in damage in Venezuela. This figure corresponds to 6% of the country's gross domestic product. The number of aftershocks recorded after the earthquakes exceeded 300; according to United Nations estimates, about 7 million people have been directly affected.
The oil-rich South American country, already grappling with a severe economic crisis, is facing further challenges as the earthquakes complicate rescue efforts.
