US Pledges $150 Million in Aid to Venezuela After Earthquakes

The United States has pledged $150 million in aid to Venezuela in the wake of two powerful earthquakes that struck the nation, causing significant loss of life and widespread damage. The announcement came from the State Department on Thursday.

The aid package is structured to provide immediate relief and support ongoing recovery efforts. It includes $50 million designated for new bilateral agreements aimed at assisting groups already operating within Venezuela. An additional $100 million will be contributed to a United Nations humanitarian fund specifically for Venezuela.

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We have a whole-of-government response. It will be comprehensive, rapid, and effective.

These funds are intended to bolster the work of various international and local organizations, including World Vision, Samaritan's Purse, Catholic Relief Services, International Medical Corps, the International Organization for Migration, and the World Food Programme. Their efforts are crucial in providing essential assistance to affected populations.

Beyond financial aid, the U.S. government is deploying resources on the ground. A disaster response team and two urban search-and-rescue units are being sent to Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the response would be "comprehensive, rapid, and effective," emphasizing the U.S. military's role in providing logistical support through the U.S. Southern Command. The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, occurred within minutes of each other, resulting in at least 188 fatalities and extensive material destruction.

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The U.S. military will play an 'important logistical role' in Venezuela.