US Announces $150 Million Earthquake Aid Package For Venezuela, Deploys Warships And Aircraft

The United States has announced a major emergency assistance package for earthquake-hit Venezuela, including the deployment of warships, military aircraft and $150 million in humanitarian aid. The announcement was made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a visit to Bahrain, even as Washington’s diplomatic engagement with Caracas shows signs of gradual improvement. The aid package comes in response to a devastating series of earthquakes that struck Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, causing widespread destruction and triggering urgent international calls for assistance.

The disaster was caused by back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude that struck on Wednesday, leaving at least 188 people dead and causing significant structural damage across several regions. Buildings collapsed, critical infrastructure was damaged, and Venezuela’s main airport reportedly sustained disruptions, complicating relief operations. Authorities have warned that the death toll could rise further as rescue teams continue to search through debris and reach isolated communities affected by the tremors.

In response, the United States military’s Southern Command confirmed that it is deploying naval and air assets to support search and rescue operations and humanitarian relief efforts. In an official statement, the command said its forces would assist US interagency partners in assessing damage, locating survivors, and delivering life-saving aid to affected areas. The deployment is intended to strengthen coordination with civilian agencies and international organisations already working on the ground in Venezuela.

Also Read: Venezuela Residents Left Shocked and Homeless After Twin Earthquakes in Quick Succession

The military assets being sent include the amphibious transport ship USS Fort Lauderdale and the littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15), along with C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. These platforms are expected to play a key role in transporting relief supplies, supporting evacuation efforts and enabling rapid response operations in areas that have been cut off due to damaged infrastructure. Officials said the combination of naval and air support would help improve access to remote and heavily affected regions.

Separately, the US State Department detailed the structure of the $150 million aid package, which includes $50 million in new bilateral assistance directed to humanitarian organisations already operating in Venezuela and an additional $100 million contribution to a United Nations humanitarian fund. The funding is aimed at supporting emergency relief, medical assistance, shelter provision and reconstruction efforts. Officials said the aid effort reflects the urgency of the crisis while also underscoring the need for coordinated international action to address the scale of destruction caused by the earthquakes.

Also Read: Powerful Venezuela Earthquakes Cripple Infrastructure, Force Airport Closure And School Suspensions