CARACAS: Offers of rescue support, aid and condolences poured into Venezuela on Thursday after two powerful earthquakes left several dead and hundreds injured.

Countries send rescuers, aid

Rescuers certified by the United Nations are traveling to Venezuela to help search for survivors, interim president Delcy Rodriguez said in a televised message. Spain and France said they would send dozens of specialists, and Germany promised six military transport planes.

Switzerland mobilized 80 personnel, eight rescue dogs and 18 tonnes of equipment to be sent to Venezuela “as soon as possible.” Dutch Foreign Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma announced a two-million-euro aid package to deploy a search-and-rescue team, while the Czech Republic said its team was preparing to fly in.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said it had released $2.5 million to support recovery efforts.

US, China willing to help

US President Donald Trump said his country “stands ready, willing, and able to help.” He “instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised a “whole-of-government response” that would be “big... fast and... effective”. China also said it was ready to send whatever was needed.

“China is willing to provide what help it can in an appropriate manner according to the needs of the Venezuelan side,” foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a news briefing.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei voiced “Iran’s readiness to provide any assistance required in relief and rescue operations”.

Latin American solidarity

Latin American governments were quick to offer solidarity and help. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country was dispatching a military team of rescuers and medical personnel to Venezuela, and would send further assistance later on if necessary.

“Mexico always stands in solidarity and always will,” she earlier posted on X.

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he had listened to news about the quake “with great concern and dismay” and would support recovery efforts. El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said he had readied 300 rescuers and paramedics and 50 tons of equipment. Cuban health workers were already present, said Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, and were “fully mobilized and providing medical services to the affected population.”

Published in Dawn, June 26 , 2026