Tragedy from the earthquakes in Venezuela with 164 dead, countries begin preparations for aid from medical teams to transport planes

At least 164 people have lost their lives as a result of the powerful earthquakes measuring 7.5 and 7.2 in magnitude that struck Venezuela, followed by more than 20 additional tremors.

According to an assessment by the United States Geological Survey, the final death toll could reach between 10,000 and 100,000 people. The figures are expected to rise rapidly as search-and-rescue teams inspect thousands of collapsed buildings.

Meanwhile, the international community is organizing the delivery of humanitarian aid to the country, which will need several days to recover.

France

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that France would send 85 specialist investigators to help find missing persons.

“France is ready, together with its European partners, to provide assistance to the affected populations in response to the needs expressed by the Venezuelan authorities,” he wrote in a social media post.

Spain

The Spanish Ministry of Defense announced that 54 soldiers from Spain’s Emergency Unit will take part in the rescue operations. This team, part of the 2nd Emergency Battalion, uses specially trained dogs, cameras and geophones during its missions.

The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, also announced that Madrid’s emergency and rapid response team would be ready to help and identify the victims.

“All my support, and that of Spain, for the people of Venezuela after tonight’s devastating earthquakes,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wrote in a post on X.

Italy

Italy is preparing to send personnel from the Air Force, from the Crisis Management Unit of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, as well as members of the Fire Department and the Civil Protection Department.

According to a statement by the Foreign Ministry spokesperson: “The government will do everything possible to help the people of Venezuela and stand by the large Italian community living there.”

Germany

According to AFP, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Berlin is preparing to make available up to six transport planes to support relief operations.

“The German armed forces are ready and can deploy up to six A400M transport aircraft at short notice as soon as support is requested from us,” Pistorius said, adding that these planes could be used to transport rescue teams and equipment to Venezuela, as well as for domestic flights within the country.

US

In a post on his Truth social media account, US President Donald Trump said the United States is “ready and able to help” Venezuela, while he has instructed all government agencies “to prepare to act quickly.”

“The two major earthquakes that have just struck the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have caused a devastating number of deaths,” he added.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States “immediately deployed search-and-rescue teams, medical personnel and humanitarian aid” to the country.

El Salvador

President Nayib Bukele announced that 300 rescue and medical aid teams, along with 50 tons of equipment, medicines and “essential supplies,” are ready to depart for Caracas.

Cuba

Cuba has long maintained a partnership with Venezuela in the exchange of medical personnel. President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced that “Cuban medical personnel are actively cooperating in caring for the victims.”

Other countries

Other countries have also announced that they will send humanitarian aid or rescue personnel, including all neighboring states such as Mexico, Panama, Guyana, Chile, Ecuador, Brazil and Colombia.

At the same time, India, Qatar and Russia have also mobilized and are preparing for a humanitarian mission.