President Donald Trump’s administration has launched a large-scale humanitarian response after a pair of powerful earthquakes devastated northern Venezuela, killing at least 235 people and leaving hundreds more injured.
According to Fox News, the administration announced Thursday that it will provide $150 million in emergency assistance while deploying U.S. military assets and specialized rescue teams to support recovery efforts in the quake-stricken nation.
The back-to-back earthquakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck on Wednesday night about 120 miles west of Caracas. Venezuelan officials said the disaster heavily impacted the coastal state of La Guaira, where widespread destruction forced the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport. More than 940 people were reported injured.
The State Department said the Aid package includes $50 million in new funding for humanitarian organizations already working on the ground, including Samaritan’s Purse, Catholic Relief Services, and World Vision. Another $100 million will be directed to a United Nations humanitarian relief fund to support broader recovery efforts.
American disaster response personnel are also being dispatched. The administration has activated a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team and sent two elite urban search-and-rescue units from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department in Virginia and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
U.S. Southern Command is expanding the military’s role by deploying the USS Fort Lauderdale and the USS Billings to support operations. Officials said the USS Fort Lauderdale will function as a floating command center capable of supporting helicopter operations and launching landing craft, while the USS Billings will help carry out missions closer to shore.
Additional military helicopters are also being deployed to transport rescue personnel, emergency supplies, and humanitarian partners throughout affected areas where damaged infrastructure could slow relief efforts.
The State Department emphasized that assisting Americans in Venezuela remains a top priority during the emergency.
“The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans. The Department of State is working tirelessly to provide consular assistance to U.S. citizens and their families in the affected areas,” the department said in a statement.
Officials added that the United States remains committed to helping Venezuela recover and will continue evaluating additional ways to support relief operations.
The State Department encouraged Americans in Venezuela to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It said emergency assistance remains available around the clock for U.S. citizens and their families.