The European Commission is coordinating the deployment of rescue crews and essential emergency support to Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that struck on Wednesday. According to United Nations reports, the twin disasters have resulted in at least 920 fatalities, with over 50,000 individuals currently reported as missing.
A total of 520 emergency responders from eight different EU Member States—including Czechia, Spain, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands—have been mobilized through the established EU civil protection mechanism. To assist in the efforts, the EU has activated its Copernicus satellite service, switching it to an emergency mapping mode that provides critical, cost-free data regarding the disaster-stricken zones.
On Saturday, the first aircraft from the Italian Air Force reached Venezuela, carrying rescue teams organized by the Crisis Unit and the Civil Protection agency. More than 100 Italian specialists, comprising search experts and medical personnel, are working alongside international and local authorities. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed that a second flight is being prepared to transport additional firefighters and specialized staff to the disaster areas. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced that an initial five million euros in financial aid has been allocated to support relief efforts by the World Food Programme, Caritas, and the Red Cross.
Spain’s Minister of Defence utilized social media to highlight that their Military Emergencies Unit is actively providing assistance at the earthquake’s ground zero. The mission includes canine units and specialized personnel currently conducting reconnaissance and searching for survivors. Simultaneously, a team of 85 French search and rescue experts has arrived in Caracas to assist with ongoing recovery operations.
International support extends beyond the European Union, with the UK’s Royal Air Force preparing aid packages for delivery. Additionally, Turkey has dispatched two military aircraft laden with humanitarian aid, medical teams, and search and rescue specialists. The two massive earthquakes occurred on Wednesday night within a minute of one another, striking the northern Yaracuy region and causing extensive, unprecedented destruction.
