An extensive international relief operation is underway in Venezuela as nations from across the globe pledge rescue teams, funding and humanitarian aid in the aftermath of two powerful earthquakes that struck the country on Thursday, killing at least 235 people and leaving over 1,500 injured.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed in a televised address that United Nations-certified rescue teams are arriving to assist in the search for survivors.

The global response has been rapid and comprehensive, with Turkey deploying a 67-member team of experts, medics and search dogs via military aircraft, while Spain and France have mobilized dozens of specialists.

Germany has pledged six military transport planes, and Switzerland is sending 80 personnel alongside 18 tonnes of specialized equipment.

Furthermore, the Netherlands has announced a two-million-euro aid package to facilitate search-and-rescue operations, the Czech Republic is preparing to deploy a team, the IFRC has released USD 2.5 million for recovery and Pope Leo XIV has provided an initial 100,000 euros in emergency aid.

Major global powers are also heavily involved in the relief effort, with the United States mobilizing USD 150 million in aid and deploying two warships alongside transport planes and helicopters.

US President Donald Trump emphasized the US commitment, stating, "We will be there for our new and great friends," while Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised a "whole-of-government response" that would be "fast" and "effective."

China has also signaled its readiness to assist, with foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stating that Beijing is "willing to provide what help it can in an appropriate manner according to the needs of the Venezuelan side," while Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei similarly voiced "Iran's readiness to provide any assistance required in relief and rescue operations."

Latin American neighbors have demonstrated significant solidarity, with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva dispatching a field hospital, firefighters, and specialists and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sending a military team of rescuers and medical personnel.

"Mexico always stands in solidarity and always will," Sheinbaum noted.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has prepared 300 rescuers and 50 tons of supplies, Cuba has mobilized medical workers and Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast is sending humanitarian aid and rescue teams.

Colombia, which also felt the tremors, is contributing over 60 rescuers and 12 tons of aid, with President Gustavo Petro affirming, "Colombia will always help Venezuela."

Argentina, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic have also expressed solidarity and readied aid packages.

Condolences have poured in from world leaders, including Japan—which suffered its own 7.2-magnitude quake on Thursday—as well as Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered "full support" to the Venezuelan people, stating, "Our thoughts are with the victims and their families."

The French government expressed its solidarity while confirming that its embassy in Caracas sustained damage during the disaster.

Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia issued separate statements of condolence and the European Union has activated its satellite surveillance system to assist with disaster monitoring, with aid commissioner Hadja Lahbib confirming, "We stand ready to step up assistance."

Source: AFP