International humanitarian aid and rescue teams have begun arriving in Venezuela to support search-and-rescue operations for victims trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
According to The Guardian on Friday, June 26, 2026, the latest update from Venezuela’s national disaster management authorities confirmed that the official death toll has risen sharply to at least 589 people, while thousands more remain missing.
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck on Wednesday night, leaving more than 4,000 people injured. The worst structural damage was concentrated in La Guaira State, a northern coastal region that is home to Simón Bolívar International Airport.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that more than 100 multi-story buildings in La Guaira collapsed completely, including the Ritasol Palace apartment complex and the beachfront Eduard’s Hotel.
Conditions on the ground remain extremely challenging due to a severe shortage of heavy equipment outside the capital, Caracas, forcing local residents to dig through concrete debris with their bare hands.
Following a visit to the disaster zone in Macuto, La Guaira, Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed the activation of a US$200 million emergency reconstruction fund and welcomed the arrival of international technical assistance.
“We have requested international assistance, and support from our partner countries will begin arriving within the next few hours. Our hopes and prayers are focused on the safety of the Venezuelan people,” Rodríguez said in an official statement to national media.
Global Rescue Operations
International humanitarian efforts accelerated after the Venezuelan government opened access for emergency assistance.
The first international delegation to arrive in Caracas was a professional rescue team from Switzerland, bringing 80 search-and-rescue specialists, 18 tons of medical supplies, and eight specially trained search dogs.
The Netherlands soon followed by deploying 65 emergency response personnel from Eindhoven Air Base, along with hydraulic concrete-cutting equipment.
Germany also dispatched 48 members of its federal disaster response agency to strengthen rescue operations.
Meanwhile, from Asia, Türkiye announced the deployment of two military transport flights from Istanbul carrying medical personnel and K-9 search units.
Financial assistance also began flowing from abroad. Pope Leo, through the Vatican, donated €100,000 in humanitarian aid, while World Central Kitchen, led by Chef José Andrés, established emergency field kitchens and pledged US$1 million in relief funding.
Given the scale of destruction that leveled hundreds of residential buildings, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the highest priority during the first 72 hours is rescuing survivors.
The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has deployed Marine Corps Major General Kevin Jarrard to Caracas to coordinate U.S. air logistics operations.
“They are dealing with an enormous number of collapsed buildings, and they will need extensive assistance to clear the rubble,” Rubio said while emphasizing the urgency of deploying integrated urban search-and-rescue teams.
Regional Solidarity
Strong support has also come from neighboring Latin American countries.
Mexico sent 250 military personnel, aerial surveillance drones, and five rescue dogs.
El Salvador deployed more than 150 rescue workers, who arrived on Friday morning.
Colombia dispatched 60 combined search-and-rescue specialists, along with firefighting units from the city of Cali, while Ecuador sent 46 disaster management experts to the affected areas.
Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his deepest condolences to Delcy Rodríguez and reaffirmed Beijing’s readiness to fully support Venezuela’s post-disaster reconstruction efforts.
His statement followed confirmation from the Chinese Embassy in Caracas that two Chinese nationals were among those killed in the earthquake.
Several European countries have also reported missing citizens in Venezuela.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares confirmed that three Spanish nationals had died, while 99 others remain missing, including four believed to be trapped alive beneath collapsed structures.
The Portuguese government likewise announced that nine Portuguese citizens had been confirmed dead, while 56 others remain unaccounted for following what has been described as one of the most devastating disasters of the century.
Global Seismic Activity
A series of powerful earthquakes occurring around the world within a short period also triggered widespread concern on social media.
Just hours before Venezuela’s twin earthquakes struck, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake shook a rural area in Northern California, followed by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake off the northern coast of Japan.***
