The U.S. Government Pledges $150 Million in Aid to Venezuela After Earthquakes, According to State Department Announcement
The U.S. government has activated a comprehensive humanitarian response to the devastating earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela, pledging $150 million in aid and deploying search-and-rescue teams, medical resources, and military assets, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of State. The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, which occurred on June 24, 2026, left at least 235 people dead and injured over 940, according to Venezuela’s Health Ministry.
What U.S. Aid Has Been Pledged to Venezuela?
The State Department announced $150 million in aid, including $50 million in direct funding to relief organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse, Catholic Relief Services, and World Vision, as well as $100 million to a U.N. humanitarian pooled fund. The funding aims to support immediate relief efforts, including emergency shelter, medical care, and food distribution, the department said.
How Is the U.S. Military Involved in the Response?
The U.S. Southern Command has deployed the USS Fort Lauderdale and USS Billings to assist in disaster relief operations. The USS Fort Lauderdale, serving as a “floating command center,” will support heavy-lift helicopters and landing craft, while the USS Billings will provide close-shore support. Additionally, U.S. military rotary-wing aircraft will transport rescue teams and personnel, according to SOUTHCOM.
What Role Do U.S. Search-and-Rescue Teams Play?
A regional Disaster Assistance Response Team, along with two urban search-and-rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles County, California, has been deployed to northern Venezuela. These teams are tasked with locating survivors in collapsed buildings and coordinating with local authorities, the State Department said.
Why Is the U.S. Prioritizing Aid to Venezuela?
The Trump administration emphasized its commitment to supporting Venezuela’s recovery and long-term stability, citing President Donald Trump’s pledge to collaborate with international partners. The State Department also reiterated its focus on the safety of U.S. citizens in the region, urging them to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates.
What Is the Humanitarian Impact of the Earthquakes?
The earthquakes, described as a “doublet” by seismologists, caused widespread destruction in La Guaira state, including the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport. Over 940 people were injured, and thousands were displaced, according to Venezuela’s Health Ministry. The U.S. aid is intended to address immediate needs while supporting longer-term recovery efforts.
How Does This Compare to Previous U.S. Disaster Responses?
The $150 million pledge marks one of the largest U.S. humanitarian responses to a natural disaster in South America. For context, the U.S. provided $100 million in aid to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2017. However, the scale of the Venezuela earthquakes, combined with the country’s existing economic crisis, has intensified the urgency of the response, according to aid experts.
U.S. citizens in Venezuela are advised to contact the State Department’s 24/7 emergency line at 202-501-4444 or reach out to family members in the U.S. via the toll-free number 888-407-4747 for updates on loved ones.