EU sends rescue teams to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes
The European Union has deployed search and rescue personnel and emergency aid to Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that killed at least 920 people and left over 50,000 missing, according to the UN.
International Aid for Venezuela
The European Commission is deploying rescue teams and other emergency assistance to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday. According to the UN, at least 920 people have been killed and more than 50,000 are missing.
EU Member States' Contributions
Eight EU member states – Czechia, Spain, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands – have mobilized 520 responders for deployment through the EU civil protection mechanism. The EU has also activated its Copernicus satellite service for emergency mapping, providing free-of-charge data.
On Saturday, the first Italian Air Force plane landed in Venezuela, transporting rescue teams coordinated by the Civil Protection and the Crisis Unit. More than 100 Italian operators, including doctors and search experts, will work on the ground in close collaboration with local and international authorities. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto stated that a second plane is ready to depart with additional specialized personnel and firefighters. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced an initial allocation of €5 million in financial aid for the Red Cross, Caritas, and the World Food Programme.
Spain's Defence Minister posted on X that the Military Emergencies Unit is working hard to provide necessary assistance at the earthquake's epicenter in Venezuela, with canine units and deployed personnel conducting preliminary reconnaissance and survivor searches.
85 French search and rescue personnel arrived in Caracas to assist with operations. The UK's Royal Air Force is preparing aid packages for deployment to Venezuela. Turkey sent two military aircraft carrying search and rescue personnel, medical teams, and humanitarian aid.
The Earthquakes
Two powerful earthquakes struck the northern Yaracuy region within a minute of each other on Wednesday night, causing unprecedented damage.
