President Claudia Sheinbaum ordered the immediate mobilization of specialized rescue personnel and medical staff following the devastating quakes that struck Venezuela’s Caribbean coast on June 24.
The 7.5-magnitude quake was followed just 39 seconds later by a powerful aftershock, reducing buildings to rubble across La Guaira state and parts of Caracas. The disaster has left an estimated 50,000 people missing.
Mexico’s military rescue contingent—a 250-member unit known as “Yumare,” composed of Army, Air Force, and National Guard personnel—has been working tirelessly in the hardest-hit areas since it arrived in Venezuela on the evening of June 25. The brigade has rescued two survivors, including a minor found trapped in the rubble in Caraballeda, La Guaira state, and has recovered 20 bodies, according to Venezuelan sources.
Mexico’s military has five decades of experience implementing civil protection plans in disaster scenarios, and the country’s rescue teams are globally recognized for their expertise in collapsed-structure search and rescue.
Members of the acclaimed civilian rescue organization “Topos México” (The Moles) have joined the efforts, with Volaris airline providing free transport facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On Monday, Sheinbaum announced that Mexico was preparing a second shipment of humanitarian aid following a request from the Venezuelan government for water purification equipment, electrical generators and non-perishable food items.
The new aid shipment will be sent in two parts: one via air and another by sea, with the Mexican Navy preparing a vessel to transport donated supplies collected at drop-off centers across Mexican states.
International response
Mexico is among numerous nations responding to the crisis. The United States, which was one of the first to express solidarity, has deployed the USS Fort Lauderdale and USS Billings to facilitate transport of personnel and supplies. Major General Kevin Jarrard arrived in Caracas to coordinate Department of Defense support, while search and rescue teams from Virginia and Los Angeles have also been dispatched.
Spain sent 59 emergency military personnel with eight specialized search dogs aboard a military aircraft. Chile dispatched 30 rescuers and six tons of equipment, while El Salvador deployed 188 specialists. Switzerland contributed 80 rescuers and 18 tons of supplies, and Germany has offered six A400M transport aircraft.
The United Nations has prepared a rapid response team to support already-deployed personnel, while the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warned that “the most urgent anticipated needs” include search and rescue operations, emergency shelter and healthcare, followed by access to clean water and sanitation.
Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced the creation of an initial US$200 million fund drawing from International Monetary Fund reserves to rebuild infrastructure and housing.