Which countries have pledged aid to Venezuela after the powerful earthquakes? | | Stories of humanitarian problems

After two devastating earthquakes On Wednesday they interfered in Venezuela, hosting death and destructionRescue missions and humanitarian aid have been dispatched from around the world.

Countries of origin across America – including Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba and the United States – as well as the United Nations, were sending search and rescue teams and post-earthquake relief. Officials have raised their death toll to 235.

“To the people of Venezuela, to those whose loved ones are under siege, know that we are determined to get help to you,” said Tom Fletcher, the United Nations chief.

UN-approved rescuers will help search for survivors, Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez said in a televised message.

How much damage has the earthquake caused in Venezuela?

The 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck about 160km (100 miles) west of Caracas, and was followed less than a minute later by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake, the strongest since 1900, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).

Officials said Friday that 235 people were confirmed dead, while another 4,300 were injured.

Jorge Rodriguez, head of the Venezuelan National Assembly and brother of former President Delcy Rodriguez, said 200 people were trapped, 250 houses were damaged or destroyed across the country.

“Venezuela was already in a very difficult situation” before the earthquakes, with frequent power outages and public services “damaged”, said Al Jazeera’s Alessandro Rampietti, reporting from Bogota in neighboring Colombia.

“Many hospitals were already operating… they don’t have the engineers and doctors they need.”

Which countries in the Americas are supporting Venezuela?

American leaders have announced that they are providing aid to Venezuela.

United States

The US, which in January carried out a military operation that reached its climax impeachment of Venezuelan President Nicolas Madurohe promised what he called a “whole-of-government response”, which included plans to deploy warships, fighter jets and helicopters, and to mobilize $150m to help.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the response would be “large … fast and … effective”.

Brazil

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced the deployment of a field hospital, as well as dozens of firefighters and other aid workers.

“We will send on Friday morning a human search and urban rescue mission in a KC-390 plane,” Lula said on X, adding 36 firefighters and eight other experts related to risk and telecommunications. “With them, we’re sending nine tons of equipment to help.”

“On Saturday, we will send another plane with equipment to assemble an open hospital, 100 portable water purifiers with solar panels, medicine and medical equipment for surgery,” added the Brazilian president.

El Salvador

The President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele said he counted 300 rescuers and medics, and 50 tons of equipment, medicine and supplies.

Cuba

Cuban health workers “have already gathered and are providing assistance to the affected people,” said Havana’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez.

Mexico

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country is sending an army of rescuers and medical workers and will send more aid if necessary.

Colombia

Colombia, which also felt the quake, will send more than 60 rescuers and 12 tons of aid to its neighbor, the disaster management agency said.

Which countries and organizations are providing support?

IFRC

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has released $2.5m to support the recovery.

Vatican

Pope Leo XIV has sent an “initial” emergency aid package of 100,000 euros ($114,000), the Vatican announced.

I’m sorry

Turkiye said a 67-strong team of search and rescue experts, medics and aid workers is due to leave Istanbul on Friday morning.

Spain

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he told Venezuela’s president on Thursday that Spain was sending a plane later that day with two government-backed search and rescue teams, along with other aid workers, to see what was needed on the ground.

“Our government is trying to give all the help to those who come from Spain in Venezuela (also),” Sanchez said on social media.

Germany

Germany has pledged six fighter jets.

Switzerland

Switzerland has mobilized 80 workers, rescue dogs and 18 tons of equipment for immediate deployment.

France

French President Emmanuel Macron took to the social network X to explain France’s cooperation with the Venezuelan people and said that a group of 85 French rescuers working on search and rescue “will be sent immediately” to Venezuela.

“France is ready, together with its European partners, to provide assistance to the affected people following the instructions of the Venezuelan authorities,” he wrote.

The Netherlands

The Netherlands has announced 2 million euros ($2.28m) to support the search and rescue team.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic says it has assembled a team and is preparing to fly.

India

India has sent two Indian Air Force planes carrying a 41-member medical team including medical specialists, risk management specialists and surgeons along with 35 tonnes of essential supplies including a field hospital and medical equipment.

China

China said on Friday that the government and the Red Cross Society of China would provide emergency aid, as well as a rescue team and medical assistance.

Why is this important?

“There is no doubt that the international effort to help Venezuela from across the Americas will be important in trying not only to save people but also to meet the needs of the many people who have been injured,” Al Jazeera’s Rampietti said.

The rescue operation has been difficult in Venezuela, which is facing financial difficulties as a result of the earthquake. This country has been ruled for a long time heavy penalties from the US and other Western countries, making it difficult for charities to send money or pay workers through banks.

Although some sanctions have been lifted since the US ousted Maduro in a military coup in Caracas in January – and replaced him with Rodriguez – Caracas is still grappling with the effects of decades of disinvestment.

In addition to this, the preliminary analysis that was released on Thursday set the expectations financial loss between 1 and 7 percent of Venezuela’s $111bn gross domestic product (GDP).