US, Catholic Church expand relief efforts as Venezuela earthquake death toll climbs

The U.S. and the Catholic Church are expanding humanitarian relief efforts in Venezuela as rescue crews continue searching for survivors nearly a week after twin powerful earthquakes devastated parts of the country, killing more than 1,700 people and leaving thousands injured, The New York Times reported June 29. 

Authorities have continued recovery operations though hopes of finding additional survivors faded after the critical 72-hour rescue window. Tens of thousands of people remain missing or displaced, while widespread damage to homes, hospitals, roads, and utilities has complicated relief efforts, the Times reported. 

The Trump administration said it has launched a "whole-of-government" response, committing $150 million in humanitarian assistance and deploying U.S. search-and-rescue teams, disaster specialists, and military logistical support to help deliver aid and restore access to affected areas.

According to the U.S. Department of State (DOS), $50 million will support humanitarian organizations, including Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Samaritan's Purse, World Vision, the International Organization for Migration, the World Food Programme, and International Medical Corps. Another $100 million has been directed to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs' Venezuela pooled fund.

The administration also deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team, two urban search-and-rescue teams from Virginia and California, and Pentagon resources to transport personnel and emergency supplies after earthquake damage disrupted airport operations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledged what he described as a response that would be "big," "fast," and "effective."

The DOS said it is also partnering with Global Empowerment Mission and Walmart to move relief supplies through South Florida, while encouraging Americans to support established humanitarian organizations with financial donations rather than unsolicited material goods.

The Catholic Church has also expanded its response through local dioceses, Caritas networks, and international aid organizations.

Pope Leo XIV authorized an initial $114,223 emergency donation through the Apostolic Almoner's Office, with the funds coordinated by the apostolic nuncio to Venezuela and the Archdiocese of Caracas, according to Vatican News. The Vatican said additional assistance would be provided as local needs are assessed.

Parishes have opened their doors as emergency shelters while Church volunteers distribute food, water, and other necessities to displaced families. Catholic churches and other Church buildings also sustained structural damage in the earthquakes, but many continue serving as relief centers.

CRS said it is working alongside Caritas Venezuela to provide emergency shelter, clean water, food assistance, medical care, and other humanitarian aid through the Church's existing network across the country. 

Church leaders said the immediate priorities remain caring for the injured, searching for survivors, and providing shelter for thousands of displaced families.

Archbishop José Luis Azuaje Ayala, president of Caritas Venezuela, urged the international community not to lose sight of the disaster as rescue efforts continue.

"Many people remain missing, and it is believed they are still buried beneath the rubble of several buildings," Archbishop Ayala told Vatican News. 

He called for government agencies, civil society, and private companies to "work together so that everyone can help address this difficult situation."

Archbishop Ayala said Caritas Venezuela has been working in the hardest-hit communities since the first hours after the earthquakes, helping search for victims trapped beneath collapsed buildings while organizing shelters, collecting donations, and providing food, medical supplies, and pastoral care. He said dioceses across the country have established collection centers through the Caritas network as thousands of families remain displaced.

The archbishop also warned that hospitals, electricity networks, and drinking water systems have come under severe strain, while repeated aftershocks continue to threaten already damaged buildings. Along with emergency relief, he said the Church is providing psychological and spiritual support to survivors coping with trauma.

"We ask everyone to pray for this country, for all those who are suffering, and also for those engaged in the rescue efforts," Archbishop Ayala said.

>> Catholic leaders call for prayers, aid after deadly Venezuela earthquakes << 

The earthquakes, which struck June 24 near San Felipe in Yaracuy state, measured magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 and were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century. Hundreds of aftershocks have followed, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts.

>> Deadly twin earthquakes strike Venezuela, killing at least 188 <<