Less than two weeks into the response to the devastating June 24 earthquakes, the Trump Administration continues to coordinate a massive humanitarian response to support the Venezuelan people. Through a swift, comprehensive, whole-of-government response - now reinforced by a new humanitarian air bridge between the U.S. and Venezuela - the United States is saving lives and delivering relief to the Venezuelan communities hardest hit by the earthquakes.
The United States' total financial commitment for assistance to Venezuela as a result of the earthquakes now stands at more than $386 million - delivered with zero delay. Funding continues to flow to trusted partners including Catholic Relief Services, Global Empowerment Mission, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, International Medical Corps, International Organization for Migration, Project Hope, Samaritan's Purse, UNICEF, World Food Program, and World Vision, providing emergency medical care, food assistance, water and sanitation, shelter, protection, and logistics.
We are working with humanitarian organizations and the private sector to put life-saving supplies directly into the hands of earthquake survivors. From Department of State warehouses alone, we have already delivered more than 400 metric tons of life-saving assistance - shelter kits, hygiene kits, buckets, tarps, and kitchen sets - reaching an estimated 70,000 people. These U.S.-funded supplies delivered immediate relief to communities across Venezuela.
Establishing a Humanitarian Air Bridge
American companies are delivering the logistics and speed that only the United States can bring. Since the June 24 earthquakes, Airlink, an NGO that connects the aviation and humanitarian sectors during disasters, has mobilized more than two dozen logistics and humanitarian partners to move relief supplies into Venezuela.
Today, the Department of State, Airlink, and Amazon are proud to announce a new humanitarian air bridge to sustain that response. Amazon will fly relief supplies weekly from Miami, Florida, to Maiquetía, Venezuela, at no cost to humanitarian organizations. Airlink determines what goes on each flight based on prioritized needs from non-profits working in affected communities. American industry, American diplomacy, and international partners are moving as one: Airlink manages non-profit shipping vetting, flight planning, and first-mile logistics; the Department of State facilitates government-to-government coordination; Amazon will provide transport to Venezuela, and once they land, the World Food Program-led Logistics Cluster hands off to humanitarian organizations on the ground for distribution. Humanitarian organizations needing cargo space can submit a request, with required documentation, through Airlink's online form. Airlink is prioritizing requests based on the highest-priority needs and the requesting organization's ability to import into Venezuela and effectively distribute aid.
Interagency Coordination
The Department of War quickly mobilized to ensure American ships, American aircraft, and American resolve have been present when it matters most. The USS Fort Lauderdale remains positioned off the coast of La Guaira State, with U.S. sailors and marines delivering supplies by landing and amphibious craft directly to the hardest-hit coastal areas. A Navy team has deployed to the Port of La Guaira to help Venezuelan authorities assess the port's condition in support of efforts to reopen the port for humanitarian operations. The U.S. Southern Command continues to support relief logistics, including operations at Simón Bolívar International Airport, where U.S.-backed repair work restored a runway for humanitarian and relief flights from all countries.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in partnership with the Department of State, provided public aftershock risk assessments and a prototype map modeling of likely locations of completely or severely damaged buildings, both of which have been used to inform U.S. and international response efforts.
American Search-and-Rescue Teams
More than 60 international urban search and rescue (USAR) teams - with more than 2,400 first responders and nearly 200 canines from 29 countries - answered the call to save lives, working alongside American USAR teams deployed from Fairfax County, Virginia; Los Angeles County, California; the City of Miami, Florida; and Miami-Dade County, Florida. Many of the international teams that responded, including from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador, had built capacity and working relationships with the United States through prior international trainings and humanitarian responses - relationships that paid off when it mattered most. American and international teams pulled survivors from the rubble days after the earthquakes struck, including an infant and mother rescued after more than 30 hours trapped beneath a collapsed building.
U.S. USAR teams accomplished their mission and have returned home. Within hours of the earthquakes, these men, women, and canines were on the ground and didn't stop until the mission was complete. Because of their skill and sacrifice, people are alive today who wouldn't otherwise be. President Trump and Secretary Rubio promised a response that was big, fast, and effective. American USAR teams delivered on that promise and have the gratitude of both nations as they return home. Their job may be complete, but America's is not. The Department's Disaster Assistance Response Team remains on the ground in Caracas, continuing to deliver critical humanitarian assistance to the Venezuelan people.
Anticipating Long-Term Needs
America won't leave when the news cameras do. Even as the immediate response continues, the Department recognizes the enormous long-term needs facing the Venezuelan people - above all, the shelter needs of those who have lost their homes. Reconstruction of housing and utilities must be swift, safe, and risk-informed to support long-term recovery. The Department will continue working with the Interim Government of Venezuela, other donor countries, and relief organizations to address these needs as the response moves into its next phase.
Assisting Americans
The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans. Americans in Venezuela in need of assistance can reach the Department of State 24/7 at +1-202-501-4444. Family and friends in the United States can call toll-free +1-888-407-4747. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at STEP.state.gov to receive safety and security updates from the U.S. Embassy.
The Department created a dedicated Venezuela Earthquakes Information webpage where you can find the latest information and resources related to our response.
The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to helping Venezuela recover from this devastating disaster and will continue to explore additional ways to provide meaningful assistance during this critical time.
Those who wish to donate or find other ways to help may visit the response webpage.
