Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez launched rescue and reconstruction efforts after two devastating earthquakes struck the country's northern region on Wednesday.
Rodriguez visited La Guaira, a state near Caracas that was among the places hardest hit by Wednesday's devastating quakes. Rescue operations there have been severely hampered by power outages, a shortage of trained personnel, and limited rescue equipment.
International rescue teams are being rapidly deployed to support relief efforts. The US military is sending two ships and aircraft to help assess damage, assist searches, and deliver aid. Washington said it’s sending 150 million USD to support relief efforts by aid groups and the United Nations.
Mexico is sending 250 military rescue personnel, rescue equipment, and medical supplies. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said Brazil will send a field hospital, firefighters, and rescue and communications specialists aboard 2 flights on Friday and Saturday. Ecuador plans to send a rescue team to Venezuela on Thursday consisting of 46 urban search-and-rescue specialists, 2 search dogs, and 6 metric tons of equipment.
Other neighboring countries, including Chile and Colombia, as well as several European nations, including Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic, have also announced plans to send rescue teams and humanitarian aid.
The International Organization for Migration said that it is preparing to provide emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation services, healthcare, and essential non-food items to affected families.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said it has released 2.5 million USD to support recovery efforts in Venezuela.
