Ongoing Search and Relief Efforts After Devastating Earthquakes Hit Venezuela

Rescue and search operations are ongoing across Venezuela in the aftermath of two back-to-back powerful earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday. Per reporting from The Associated Press, the disasters have killed at least 589 people, injured more than 3,000, left thousands more unaccounted for, and left countless residents cut off from access to food and clean water.

The catastrophic quakes, registering magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 respectively, rank among the strongest seismic events to hit the South American nation in more than a century. Their epicenter was located north of Caracas, in the coastal state of La Guaira. Witnesses in the capital shared a grim portrait of the aftermath: buildings collapsed into rubble, widespread internet and power outages, and pervasive chaos and uncertainty as rescuers rush to reach survivors trapped under debris.

On Thursday, the U.S. Treasury Department lifted a selection of sanctions on Venezuela (a suspension that will last through October) to clear the way for unimpeded earthquake relief work. Both the U.S. and nations across the globe have already pledged assistance to the response effort.

This policy change comes just six months after the Trump administration led a military operation in the country that resulted in the capture of then-president Nicolás Maduro. Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president and Venezuela’s current acting president, has declared a national state of emergency, and confirmed the creation of a $200 million fund to rebuild damaged hospitals and destroyed homes.

For anyone looking to contribute to relief efforts, we have rounded up active, verified resources below:

International Committee of the Red Cross

The group’s first shipment of humanitarian supplies departed Panama’s Tocumen International Airport on Friday, bound for Venezuela. The cargo included kitchen sets, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, and other critical emergency items. Venezuela’s national Red Cross branch is already active on the ground, supporting hospitals to continue delivering care while backing up rescue teams and coordinating local supply distribution.

Airlink

This global humanitarian organization specializes in solving complex logistics challenges during disasters, to ensure the right aid reaches the right place at the right time. Airlink is currently working rapidly with more than 25 of its logistics and humanitarian partner groups to send emergency support to Venezuela, including specialized search-and-rescue teams, emergency medical units, and life-saving supplies such as medication, water filters, and food.

World Central Kitchen

Founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) is mobilizing to provide hot meals to displaced Venezuelans on the ground, as well as to first responders and aid workers leading the response. The organization sets up temporary emergency kitchens, brings in bulk food supplies, and partners with local Venezuelan groups to deliver nutritious meals to everyone in need of support.

International Rescue Committee

For more than 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has supported communities impacted by conflict and disaster. The group delivers emergency aid where it is most urgently needed, and helps communities rebuild long-term after crises. For a limited time, the IRC will match all donations to its Venezuela relief fund, doubling the impact of every gift.

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