Rescue teams race to Venezuela amid fears thousands killed in earthquakes

[muriel_volestrangler]

Source: The Guardian

US among countries sending help to search for survivors on north coast, where dozens of buildings flattened, as official death toll reaches 235

Rescue teams are racing to Venezuela’s shattered northern coast after almost simultaneous earthquakes reduced dozens of buildings to rubble, killing at least 235 people but with thousands more fatalities feared. Officials said at least 4,300 people were injured as rescue missions continue.

The US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, said the defence department would help search and rescue teams deploy to the affected region after Venezuela’s main gateway, the Simón Bolívar international airport, near the capital, Caracas, was badly damaged by 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes less than 40 seconds apart, late on Wednesday afternoon.
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The UN agency reported that more than 100 buildings had collapsed in the La Guaira region alone. They included a large block of flats called the Ritasol Palace and the seafront Eduard’s Hotel. Those missing include children as young as five as well as elderly people.
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The French president, Emmanuel Macron, said: “France stands ready, alongside its European partners, to provide assistance to the affected populations … A team of 85 French specialised rescuers … will be deployed immediately.”
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The US Treasury moved to waive some sanctions until 23 October to allow transactions related to earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela that would otherwise be prohibited.


Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/25/rescue-teams-race-to-venezuela-amid-fears-thousands-killed-in-earthquakes

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US, Cuba and Iran join global rescue effort after Venezuela earthquakes

Latin American countries, including Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and Cuba, also offered solidarity and help.

Cuban health workers were already on the scene, said the foreign minister, Bruno Rodríguez, and were “fully mobilised and providing medical services to the affected population”.

The Netherlands said it would allocate about €2m (£1.72m) to send a rescue team with workers, dogs and equipment. Both Spain and France said they would send dozens of rescuers, and Germany promised six military transport planes. They were joined by Switzerland, which promised emergency teams and rescue dogs.

Esmaeil Baqaei, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, announced “Iran’s readiness to provide any assistance required in relief and rescue operations”, while expressing “solidarity with the government and people of Venezuela”.

China also said it was ready to send whatever was needed.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/jun/25/us-cuba-iran-global-rescue-effort-venezuela-earthquakes

[Bayard]

1. "France stands ready, alongside its EUROPEAN partners,"

He knows trump can't be trusted to do anything but throw paper towels at a country he wanted to make a U.S. state.

Why do they still have sanctions?

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. Venezuela death toll doubles as interim president vows to save 'as many people as possible'

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has vowed to fight to save “as many people as possible” as the official death toll from the country’s worst earthquake in more than a century almost doubled, but frustration was growing at the perceived sluggishness of the government’s response.

Rodríguez said on Friday that the official death toll had risen to 589, with nearly 3,000 people injured. Speaking during a tour of La Guaira, the most devastated region, Rodríguez said foreign search and rescue groups were starting to arrive.
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US Southern Command said Marine Corps Maj Gen Kevin J Jarrard had landed in Caracas to oversee the use of “the US military’s unparalleled logistical and operational capabilities” to help with the search. Other countries, including Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Mexico, Spain, France, Turkey and Switzerland, have offered to send humanitarian aid and rescue teams.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/26/delcy-rodriguez-interim-president-venezuela-earthquake-death-toll

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. Venezuela quake death toll reaches 920 as interim president vows to save 'as many as possible'

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has vowed to fight to save “as many people as possible” as the official death toll from the country’s worst earthquake in more than a century almost doubled, but frustration was growing at the perceived sluggishness of the government’s response.

Rodríguez’s brother, Jorge, who is the president of the national assembly, said on Friday that the official number of dead had risen to 920. Delcy Rodríguez had earlier said that almost 3,000 people were injured. Speaking during a tour of La Guaira, the most devastated region, she said foreign search and rescue groups were starting to arrive.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/26/delcy-rodriguez-interim-president-venezuela-earthquake-death-toll