Trump administration continues earthquake aid to Venezuela
The Trump administration says it has committed more than $386 million in total humanitarian assistance to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes killed more than 3,800 people and left thousands injured.
The Trump administration has committed more than $386 million in humanitarian assistance to Venezuela through a “swift, comprehensive, whole-of-government response” following the two powerful earthquakes that struck the country on June 24, the U.S. State Department announced in a July 8 press release.
According to the release, aid is being routed to hard-hit communities in Venezuela through several partners, including Catholic Relief Services, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, UNICEF, and the World Food Program. The department said supplies include emergency medical care, food, water, shelter, and logistics support.
Venezuela’s official death toll from the magnitude 7.5 and 7.2 earthquakes has risen to 3,811, and more than 16,000 people are injured, according to Reuters.
The U.S. has delivered more than 400 metric tons of humanitarian items, including shelter kits, hygiene kits, tarps, and kitchen sets, reaching an estimated 70,000 people, according to the release.
The department also said it established a humanitarian air bridge with Airlink, a nongovernmental organization that connects the aviation and humanitarian sectors during disasters, and Amazon to help sustain the flow of supplies.
U.S. military assets have delivered supplies directly to coastal areas, while Navy teams have assisted with port assessments. U.S. Southern Command has also supported airport repairs to expand relief flights.
The department’s Disaster Assistance Response Team remains on the ground in Caracas to support longer-term needs, particularly shelter and risk-informed reconstruction.
The State Department also launched a webpage dedicated to its response efforts, including an overview of humanitarian assistance and ways to donate to ongoing relief work.
