The United Nations has begun mobilising humanitarian assistance and facilitating the deployment of urban search-and-rescue teams to Venezuela after devastating earthquakes struck the country.
“The United Nations in Venezuela, including the Humanitarian Country Team, is mobilising assistance and working closely with the government and our partners to support the response,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement on Thursday.
“The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is facilitating the deployment of urban search-and-rescue teams,” Dujarric said, adding that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed offers of support from member states.
Guterres said he was “deeply saddened” by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the earthquakes, extending condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
He also expressed solidarity with the people and government of Venezuela as authorities respond to the crisis.
Powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s northern Caribbean coast late on Wednesday, causing widespread damage and prompting tsunami warnings across the region.
Authorities said at least 188 people were killed and nearly 1,000 were injured after the powerful earthquakes. She also declared a national state of emergency.
US
The US Southern Command said it was coordinating with the State Department and international partners to support relief operations and had set up an operational planning team to oversee the disaster response.
"Our joint forces are moving quickly to bring the unmatched airlift, logistics, and lifesaving capabilities of the US military to help save lives and support the government of Venezuela during this crisis," SOUTHCOM said in a statement.
The Pentagon separately said it stands ready to support the government of Venezuela.
"Our forces are prepared to move quickly, bringing the unmatched airlift, logistics, and operational capabilities of the US military to help save lives and support the government of Venezuela during this crisis," spokesperson Sean Parnell said.
Recovery funding
The International Monetary Fund has said it is monitoring developments in Venezuela and will remain engaged with authorities as they assess the economic impact and recovery needs following the earthquakes.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez announced an initial $200 million emergency fund, using IMF resources, to rebuild infrastructure, hospitals and housing.
"We've been closely engaged with the Venezuelan authorities, and we will remain closely engaged with them as they assess the economic impact and the recovery needs for Venezuela," IMF spokesperson Julie Kozack told a regular news briefing.
Kozack did not specify whether the emergency fund would be drawn from Venezuela’s previously frozen IMF reserves, but said discussions on possible IMF support would continue once the scale of the damage had been assessed.
