The United States has launched an emergency response to support Venezuela following the two powerful earthquakes that struck on Wednesday, a tragedy that has left at least 164 people dead and hundreds injured, according to the latest official figures.
The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) announced that its forces are already coordinating with multiple U.S. government agencies to assist with rescue and recovery operations.
US Southern Command, headquartered in Florida, said in a statement that, under the direction of the Department of Defense, it is working alongside the US Department of State to support American-led humanitarian operations in Venezuela following the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes.
«Our joint forces are rapidly mobilizing to provide the unmatched airlift, logistics, and lifesaving capabilities of the US Armed Forces to help save lives and support the Government of Venezuela during this crisis.»
The command stated that its primary objective is to provide resources that will accelerate rescue operations, facilitate the delivery of emergency supplies, and improve coordination of humanitarian assistance in the affected areas.
As part of the response, the military command announced the creation of an operational planning team composed of specialists from the Office of Humanitarian Assistance.
The team's mission is to advise personnel and disaster response planners in order to optimize resource distribution and strengthen emergency operations on the ground.
It also noted that it «has begun close coordination with other regional partners and allies that have committed to joining the international assistance already underway to help the people of Venezuela during this time of need.»
This collaboration aims to combine the capabilities of multiple countries as rescue efforts continue and humanitarian needs evolve across the affected regions.
Hours before SOUTHCOM's announcement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he had spoken with Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, to discuss the emergency response.
Rubio confirmed that the United States has already deployed specialized urban search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles, California, to assist in locating victims.
These highly trained teams have extensive experience responding to major natural disasters and form part of the U.S. government's immediate response to the catastrophe.
According to the latest official update released early Thursday by the interim president, the two earthquakes have left at least 164 people dead and 971 others injured.
Authorities said the earthquakes struck just 39 seconds apart and were the strongest recorded in Venezuela in approximately a century.
Following reports of the disaster's severity, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday instructed federal agencies to act «quickly» in supporting Venezuela in response to the «devastating loss of life.»
As rescue operations and damage assessments continue, coordination between Venezuelan authorities and international response teams will play a crucial role in assisting affected communities and supporting recovery efforts.
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Source: EFE.
