US Deploys Medical SAR Team to Venezuela After Two Massive Earthquakes

JAKARTA - The United States has deployed a rescue and medical team, as well as humanitarian aid, to support Venezuela following a devastating earthquake.

"[The State Department] has deployed a disaster assistance team and a task force to channel and coordinate critical assistance to the Venezuelan people," said the interim official, Assistant Secretary of State for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs and Religious Freedom Jeremy Lewin on social media X.

"Working with our partners in the interim government of Venezuela, the US will send a search and rescue team, medical and humanitarian supplies, and other resources in the first crucial days after this tragic natural disaster," wrote Lewin, responding to a post by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau regarding the earthquake.

"The United States is in communication with Venezuelan authorities and stands ready to assist after a series of strong shocks," Landau wrote in Spanish.

A number of partner countries also decided to send aid to Venezuela.

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa wrote on X that his country would send humanitarian aid. The President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele stated that he was ready to deploy 300 rescue workers and medical personnel, along with 50 tons of equipment and aid.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also expressed his willingness to provide assistance. The President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, decided to send a search and rescue team and emergency response specialists.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed India's readiness to provide the necessary assistance to Venezuela.

Two strong earthquakes shook Venezuela on Wednesday local time. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.2 and the second 7.5. The earthquake occurred 16 kilometers from Moron and 24 kilometers from San Felipe.

A RIA Novosti correspondent reported damage and casualties in Caracas.

Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolas Madura, who is currently detained in the United States, asked the Venezuelan people to unite and help each other following a major earthquake that shook the South American country on Wednesday.

"In these difficult times, we call for national unity, calm, and real assistance: to help, protect, share, strengthen, and recover. Venezuela has passed through many great tests, and we will also rise from this ordeal stronger - through faith, discipline, and solidarity," Maduro said in a statement on the X.l platform.l

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan government officially declared a state of national emergency following the strong earthquake that hit the country, according to the Acting President (Plt.) of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez.

"We are establishing a state of national emergency, as provided for in our constitution," Rodriguez said in a video address late Wednesday.

Venezuela's main airport, Maiquetia, was forced to close completely due to severe damage.

"A number of areas were reported to be very severely affected. In the capital city of Caracas, buildings collapsed in various areas. The states of Miranda and La Guaira also suffered significant damage... including the Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcon regions," explained Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said that 20 aftershocks had been recorded after the two main earthquakes.

"I want to thank the governments around the world who immediately contacted Venezuela after the earthquake occurred to convey their solidarity and support," said Rodriguez.

According to him, a number of countries such as the United States, Panama, Qatar, Cuba, Nicaragua, Turkey, Jordan, Colombia, Barbados, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico immediately expressed their readiness to help Venezuela.

In addition, representatives from the United Nations (UN) and international financial institutions have reportedly contacted the Venezuelan government to offer post-disaster relief.