How the World Responded to Venezuela's Catastrophic Twin Earthquakes

On June 24, 2026, a pair of powerful earthquakes — magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, striking just 39 seconds apart — devastated Venezuela's central-northern coast, leveling buildings in Caracas and La Guaira, and triggering a massive international humanitarian response . At least 1,450 people were killed and more than 3,150 were injured, with over 46,000 initially reported missing . The catastrophes were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century .

Here is a verified breakdown of the global response, covering the key contributions from the United States, India, and private-sector partners.

U.S. Military: Reopening the Port of La Guaira

A central logistical challenge after the quakes was the severe damage to the Port of La Guaira, Venezuela's principal seaport, which was rendered inoperable . To solve this, the U.S. military deployed approximately 130 U.S. Marines from Littoral Combat Force-24, alongside Navy sailors from the amphibious transport ship USS Fort Lauderdale (LPD-28) and the littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS-15) . The Marines landed via Landing Craft, Utility (LCU) to deliver critically needed disaster assistance supplies and begin restoring port operations so large-scale relief shipments could flow in by sea .

A U.S. Marine Corps general was also sent to oversee the Pentagon's earthquake relief support . Additionally, the U.S. deployed a Contingency Response Element of about 100 Air Force airmen to help repair and certify runways at Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, allowing heavy military cargo planes to land .

$150 Million in U.S. Financial Aid

The Trump administration pledged $150 million for Venezuela earthquake relief . The funds were allocated to faith-based aid organizations (such as Samaritan's Purse and Catholic Relief Services) and two United Nations agencies: the World Food Programme and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) . The U.S. State Department also deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) of more than 250 people, including three specialized Urban Search-and-Rescue (USAR) teams—the Virginia team with 80 people and 6 dogs, and the California team with 70 people and 6 dogs .

India's Operation Amistad

India launched Operation Amistad (Spanish for "friendship") on June 26, dispatching two Indian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying over 35 tonnes of relief supplies, an Indian Army Field Hospital, a 41-member medical team, and two BHISHM Cubes (modular rapid-response medical units) . External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the operation, stating India's commitment to supporting the people of Venezuela . The field hospital subsequently became operational at the International La Rinconada Racetrack in Caracas, providing free, round-the-clock medical services .

LATAM Airlines Humanitarian Airlift

LATAM Airlines Group launched a humanitarian airlift under its "Solidarity Plane" (Avión Solidario) program, deploying two freighter aircraft and one special passenger flight . The operation transported approximately 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid and over 170 specialists, including firefighters, rescue personnel, and medical teams from Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru, to Caracas . The airlift also included a field hospital and specialized rescue equipment .

Broader International Response

The United Nations coordinated a vast international effort: more than 2,000 rescue workers from 27 countries were deployed, including 44 international urban search-and-rescue teams supported by 140 search dogs . Countries from across the Americas—including Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, and Cuba—as well as European nations like Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, and Qatar from the Middle East, sent rescue teams, equipment, and specialized aid . The U.S. Treasury Department temporarily lifted sanctions on Venezuela to allow transactions related to earthquake relief .

Summary Table of Key Contributions

Component	Key Details	Sources
Casualties	≥1,450 killed, ≥3,150 injured
U.S. Military (Port)	~130 Marines from Littoral Combat Force-24, USS Fort Lauderdale, USS Billings to reopen La Guaira port
U.S. Financial Aid	$150 million pledged to NGOs (Samaritan's Purse, Catholic Relief Services) and UN agencies (WFP, OCHA)
India (Operation Amistad)	2× C-17 aircraft, 35+ tonnes supplies, field hospital, 41 medics, BHISHM cubes
LATAM Airlines	~100 tonnes aid, 170+ specialists, 3 aircraft (2 freight + 1 passenger)
U.N. Coordination	2,245 specialists, 44 USAR teams, 140 search dogs from 27 countries

Caveat on casualty figures: The death toll fluctuated substantially in the first days as search-and-rescue operations continued. Initial reports on June 24–25 cited 164–589 deaths, but the official toll was repeatedly raised, reaching at least 1,450 by June 27 . This figure is now the most widely cited final official toll, though some sources report slightly different counts (e.g., 1,430 killed) .