US to send second economic aid package to Venezuela after two earthquakes

The United States is preparing to dispatch a second economic aid package to Venezuela, which was struck by two devastating earthquakes on June 24. The tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, have resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction.

Following the initial earthquakes, the U.S. promptly provided a first aid package. This included $100 million allocated to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Venezuela and an additional $50 million directed towards organizations operating directly in the affected regions. Military equipment and specialized search and rescue brigades from Virginia and California were also deployed.

According to a senior administration official speaking to The Washington Post, the latest aid package is expected to be sent this week. President Donald Trump had previously instructed government agencies to act swiftly to assist Venezuela, acknowledging the "devastating number of dead" caused by the earthquakes. In a move to facilitate relief operations, the U.S. Treasury Department issued an order temporarily lifting sanctions that would otherwise prohibit such aid, specifically for "relief efforts" related to the seismic events, valid until October 23.

This gesture of support comes as Venezuela grapples with the aftermath of the disaster. The U.S. cooperation extends to working with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, in coordinating these humanitarian efforts. The Treasury's directive, however, does not include the unblocking of assets already subject to existing sanctions.