CARACAS — International health organizations have begun mobilizing emergency medical teams and supplies to support victims of powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, officials said.
Two major earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit north-central Venezuela in quick succession on June 24, causing widespread damage, particularly in areas around Caracas and La Guaira, Venezuelan authorities and the U.S. Geological Survey reported.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) activated its emergency response mechanisms on Thursday and is coordinating the deployment of essential medicines, medical supplies and equipment from its Regional Strategic Reserve in Panama, a PAHO statement said. The organization has identified 21 international Emergency Medical Teams on standby, with three teams from Colombia, the United States and the Dominican Republic ready for rapid deployment if requested.
International Medical Corps, which has operated in Venezuela since 2019, deployed members of its in-country team to assess needs in the affected regions and is preparing mobile medical teams along with distributions of essential medicines and supplies, the group said.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) allocated 2 million Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund to support the Venezuelan Red Cross, which is providing emergency medical care and using pre-positioned stocks, IFRC officials said.
Direct Relief is communicating with local health providers and mobilizing medical aid to address immediate health needs, according to the organization.
Venezuelan authorities reported significant casualties and damage following the quakes, which were the strongest to hit the country in more than a century. Details on the exact number of deaths and injuries remained in flux as rescue operations continued, with figures attributed to government sources varying in initial reports.
The earthquakes caused building collapses, power outages and disruptions to health facilities in multiple states. Search and rescue efforts were ongoing as of Friday, officials said.
"Rapid response teams are on standby in neighboring countries," PAHO said in its statement, emphasizing coordination to protect lives and support early recovery.
Countries across the region, including Mexico, Brazil and El Salvador, have pledged medical personnel, field hospitals and supplies as part of the broader humanitarian response, according to government announcements. The United States is also providing support through partners including the U.N. and International Medical Corps.
As of Friday, international aid deliveries had started arriving in Venezuela, while assessments of long-term health needs, including trauma care and disease prevention in crowded shelters, were underway, relief organizations reported. Further details on the scale of the health response are expected as damage assessments continue.
