The United States and most Latin American countries have offered to help Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes left at least 32 dead and hundreds injured. Here are the first messages:
US ‘willing and able' –
“The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths,” US President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
“The USA stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends,” he added.
Mexico 'solidarity' –
President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on X that she had ordered the necessary aid to be prepared.
“For the time being, they have asked us for support in the form of specialist rescue and medical personnel. Mexico always stands in solidarity and always will,” she wrote.
El Salvador aid ‘ready to leave' –
President Nayib Bukele wrote on X that “300 rescuers and paramedics, along with 50 tonnes of equipment, medicines, and basic supplies, are ready to leave for Caracas.”
Brazil 'dismay' –
“I learned, with great concern and dismay, of the impact of the earthquake that struck Venezuela,” said President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
“I reaffirm our determination to support the government of Acting President Delcy Rodrguez in the recovery of the affected areas of that sister country, whose people have shown great resilience in the face of adversity,” he added.
Cuba ‘fully mobilised' –
“I express my deepest condolences and solidarity to the government and brother people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the loss of life and damage caused by the earthquake,” Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on X.
“Cuban health workers there are fully mobilised and providing medical services to the affected population,” he added.
Argentina ‘closely following' –
“The Argentine Republic is closely following the evolution of the situation and expresses its readiness to collaborate with whatever humanitarian assistance may be required, in coordination with the corresponding international organisations," the presidency said in a statement.
Beyond the differences that may exist between our governments, President Javier G. Milei extends his hand in solidarity to the Venezuelan people.
Uruguay ‘willing to collaborate' –
“Uruguay expresses its solidarity with the Venezuelan authorities and people. We are closely following the evolution of the situation and reiterate our willingness to collaborate in whatever the Venezuelan government deems necessary,” wrote President Yamandu Orsi on X.
Chile ‘deplores’ tragedy.
“The Chilean government expresses its solidarity with the government and people of Venezuela following the earthquake that struck this afternoon, affecting a large area of that country and causing significant material damage and possible casualties,” the foreign ministry said.
“The Chilean government deplores this tragedy and stands ready to provide humanitarian and rescue assistance should it be required,” he added.
Ecuador guided by 'humanity' –
President Daniel Noboa expressed solidarity with the brother people of Venezuela.
“I have ordered the immediate dispatch of humanitarian aid to respond to this emergency. Ecuador will respond with the speed and commitment that this moment demands because, despite enormous differences, humanity must always guide a leader’s actions.”
Costa Rica ‘wholeheartedly embraces' –
“Costa Rica wholeheartedly embraces the Venezuelan people at this time of grief following the earthquake that shook their country,” the presidency said in a statement.
“Our solidarity lies with every affected family and with those who are working today to save lives and rebuild hope. You are not alone.”
Dominican Republic readies teams.
President Luis Abinader said the military had readied specialised search, rescue, and emergency response teams to support the Venezuelan authorities.
Spain ‘full support' –
We offer our full support to the Venezuelan people following tonight’s devastating earthquakes,” said Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
India ‘ready to aid’ –
"Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela," Modi said in a statement.
"We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance."
