Venezuela coordinates UN and international aid after June 24 earthquakes

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez met with United Nations Resident Coordinator Gianluca Rampolla and senior UN officials to review technical assistance and the post‑earthquake recovery plan for the June 24 twin quakes that killed 5,398 people, injured 16,740 and displaced tens of thousands. The meeting emphasized centralized information, transparency, sovereignty and coordinated ground operations, with participation from UNDP, PNUD, and economic advisors.

Humanitarian assistance has come from multiple sources. The United States embassy reported a donation of more than 3,300 toys by MGA Entertainment for children in La Guaira. A ship from Puerto Rico carrying 110,100 lb of supplies – food, hygiene items, medical equipment and wheelchairs – departed for Venezuela, slated to arrive on Aug 18. Avianca Cargo and DSV delivered 58 tonnes of medical and food supplies from Miami, while US Marine Littoral Combat Force units provided rapid air‑lift and on‑site coordination.

The Pan‑American Health Organization sent 33 tonnes of medicines and emergency material, urging that health‑system reconstruction address pre‑existing deficiencies. Psychologists Sin Fronteras warned of mental‑health risks for rescuers and volunteers, offering free counseling lines. Israel’s humanitarian team contributed engineering assessments and debris‑removal advice. A joint humanitarian fund, “Humanitarian 77”, was launched by Venezuelan, Colombian and other foundations to provide prostheses and rehabilitation for amputees.

Overall, aid operations have reached over 128,000 families, provided 10,964 tons of food, 44.6 million L of drinking water and shelter for more than 23,000 displaced persons.