WASHINGTON: The United States has begun mobilizing military resources to assist Venezuela following a series of powerful earthquakes that devastated parts of the South American nation, leaving hundreds dead and nearly a thousand injured.
US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced on Thursday that it is working closely with the State Department and international partners to coordinate humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts. The command said specialized teams have already been activated to plan and oversee relief operations aimed at supporting Venezuelan authorities during the emergency.
In a statement, SOUTHCOM emphasized that US military assets are being prepared to provide critical airlift, logistics, and emergency response capabilities to help deliver aid, rescue survivors, and support recovery efforts in the affected regions.
The Pentagon echoed that commitment, saying American forces stand ready to assist Venezuela as the country confronts the aftermath of one of its most destructive natural disasters in recent years. Defense officials noted that rapid-response capabilities could play a crucial role in transporting supplies, personnel, and equipment to areas hardest hit by the earthquakes.
The disaster struck Venezuela’s northern Caribbean coast late Wednesday when two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude rocked the region. The tremors caused widespread destruction, damaged infrastructure, and prompted tsunami warnings across several coastal areas.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a nationwide state of emergency as authorities raced to assess the scale of the catastrophe. By Thursday, officials confirmed that at least 164 people had lost their lives, while 971 others were reported injured. Emergency crews continue to search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the situation could worsen significantly, with preliminary estimates indicating a substantial risk of further casualties. Experts warned that the final death toll may rise sharply as rescue operations continue in heavily impacted communities.
La Guaira state, located near Caracas, has emerged as the epicenter of the disaster, suffering extensive damage from the twin earthquakes. Humanitarian organizations and international partners are now working to deliver urgent assistance as Venezuela confronts a growing humanitarian crisis.
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