Key facts
- Twin earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela earlier this week.
- The quakes have resulted in 920 deaths and 3,360 injuries.
- Over 520 emergency responders from the EU have been mobilized to aid in search and rescue operations.
- International teams from Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, France, and the US are providing assistance.
- Tens of thousands of people are reported missing amidst widespread destruction of buildings and infrastructure.
Search and rescue operations are continuing in Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country earlier this week. The back-to-back tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, have caused extensive destruction, claiming 920 lives and injuring 3,360 people. Tens of thousands are still missing, and significant damage has been reported to buildings, hospitals, and other structures.
International support has been mobilized to aid Venezuela's emergency response. The European Commission has coordinated the deployment of over 520 rescuers from various EU member states, including Spain, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, and France. These teams are equipped with specialized personnel, search dogs, and equipment to assist in locating survivors buried under rubble.
The United States has also dispatched search and rescue teams from California and Virginia, supported by military assets including transport aircraft, helicopters, and the USS Billings combat ship. President Donald Trump has publicly offered US assistance to Venezuela.
Specific contributions include Spain sending 59 military personnel and eight canine units, the Netherlands deploying 64 experts and eight search dogs, and Switzerland providing 80 specialists and 18 tons of equipment. Italy and France have also sent specialized rescue and medical teams.