65 arrive in Dominican Republic from earthquake-hit Venezuela

A humanitarian flight carrying 65 people, including 55 Dominicans and nine Venezuelans, arrived in the Dominican Republic from Venezuela on Monday. The group landed at Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo, seeking refuge after two devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela last Wednesday.

The earthquakes have resulted in at least 1,719 deaths and 5,034 injuries. Among the arrivals were children who suffered greatly, and individuals whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged, forcing them into temporary shelters. Many areas remain fractured, particularly in Caracas, and medical aid has not reached all affected locations.

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There are many children who suffered the most. There are people who still cannot return to their homes because the areas were fractured, especially in the Caracas area. Many families remain in shelters and there are still places where medical aid has not arrived.

Leomaris Soto, a Venezuelan national who is now a Dominican citizen, spoke to reporters about the dire situation. "Hospitals in the affected areas need everything," she stated, emphasizing that many families are still in temporary shelters due to the destruction of their homes. She also noted that medical assistance has not reached all communities.

The Dominican government, in coordination with Venezuelan authorities, facilitated the flight. This operation is part of "Operation Quisqueya Solidaria 2026," through which the Dominican Republic has deployed search and rescue specialists, support materials, and humanitarian aid to Venezuela. On Sunday, the Dominican government sent another contingent of search and rescue experts to the affected region.

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Hospitals in the affected areas need everything.