Ecuador Repatriates 36 Citizens and 3 Deceased After Venezuela Quakes

Although Ecuador and Venezuela have suspended diplomatic relations for two years, the Ecuadorian government dispatched more than 100 firefighters from Quito and Guayaquil to assist in search‑and‑rescue operations after the June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela. A temporary consular mission was established in Caracas, where officials issued about 600 passports, provided assistance to over 1,500 Ecuadorian nationals, and handled civil‑record services such as births, deaths, marriages and legalizations.

Four humanitarian flights returned 36 Ecuadorian citizens to Ecuador and repatriated the bodies of three victims. The mission also delivered over 30 tons of emergency supplies, including potable water, food and hygiene items. The Ecuadorian consular presence will conclude on 28 July, after which Ecuadorian citizens will be served through consulates in Bogotá and Panama and via digital channels.