US military aid flights have begun arriving in Caracas after one runway at Simon Bolivar International Airport was reopened, while a US naval vessel reached the Venezuelan coast. The United Nations said search-and-rescue teams from at least 17 countries are being mobilised to assist ongoing recovery efforts.
Rescue operations continue across the worst-hit areas, where residents have been digging through rubble in search of survivors. In a rare moment of hope, rescuers pulled an infant alive from the debris in La Guaira nearly 32 hours after the powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes struck.
The International Organization for Migration estimates that up to 6.76 million people could be affected and require emergency shelter, safe water, sanitation, healthcare and other relief supplies. The UN has estimated physical damage at $6.7 billion, roughly 6% of Venezuela’s GDP.
Public frustration has mounted over the government s response, with survivors accusing authorities of failing to provide timely assistance. Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez said Venezuela was "not alone" and confirmed discussions with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who pledged continued support for relief efforts.
The United States has deployed more than 250 emergency personnel, including specialised search-and-rescue teams and trained rescue dogs, as humanitarian agencies warn the disaster has deepened an already severe economic and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.
