Brazil Defense Minister Visits Venezuela to Boost Quake Aid

Brazil's Defense Minister José Múcio arrived in Venezuela to bolster humanitarian cooperation in the wake of devastating earthquakes that have claimed nearly 2,000 lives and injured over 10,000. Múcio met with Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodríguez and other officials to offer comprehensive support from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's government.

The discussions focused on coordinated efforts for the swift construction of housing for affected families. Ministers of Public Works and Habitat and Housing also attended the meetings, alongside the head of the presidential commission inspecting housing conditions. Official figures indicate that 855 buildings sustained damage, with 189 collapsing entirely.

Múcio was accompanied by representatives from the financial institution Caixa Econômica Federal and the Ministry of Cities. Their objective is to identify priorities with local authorities to ensure Brazilian aid is organized efficiently and effectively. The presence of these entities aims to explore initiatives for rebuilding infrastructure and housing. The Brazilian minister affirmed that his country's solidarity would continue through the disaster response's subsequent phases.

The visit coincided with Brazil's fifth humanitarian operation flight to Venezuela, carrying equipment to expand an existing field hospital in La Guaira state. This expansion will increase the hospital's capacity to treat up to 30 patients simultaneously. President Lula had previously expressed deep concern over the earthquakes' impact and offered aid to Venezuela in a phone call with Rodríguez.