Rescue teams race to Venezuela amid fears thousands killed in earthquakes
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
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