Türkiye delivers rescue equipment to quake-hit Venezuela

Türkiye's Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy announced Saturday that search and rescue equipment, emergency supplies, and food have been delivered to Venezuelan authorities through the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) for areas struck by the June 24 twin earthquakes that have killed at least 2,655 people.

Aid delivery to quake-hit regions

In a post on the Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Ersoy said the long-standing friendship and solidarity with Venezuela continues with the same determination. "In the coming days, we will continue our support with shelter and basic living supplies," he said, adding that Türkiye views humanitarian aid as an ongoing commitment rather than limited to disaster periods. "As we have done in Venezuela until now, we will continue to maintain our solidarity in every area where it is needed," Ersoy stated.

Ersoy noted that through TIKA, which operates under the Culture and Tourism Ministry, industrial demolition equipment, chainsaws, portable generators, rechargeable floodlights, rescue stretchers, and hygiene kits were provided to support debris removal and evacuation operations. The aid was handed over to Venezuelan authorities for distribution in affected areas, according to the ministry.

Venezuelan governor thanks Ankara

In response to the delivery in Venezuela's La Guaira state, Governor Jose Alejandro Teran thanked Türkiye for its continued solidarity during a ceremony at the Jose Maria Vargas Sports Complex. The assistance included industrial demolition hammers and drills, portable stoves, masks, and gloves to support emergency shelter operations alongside debris clearance efforts.

"In this second aid operation, we thank you for this wonderful gesture," Teran said, adding that the assistance was delivered through a much more efficient mechanism. He also asked Türkiye's Ambassador to Caracas, Naci Aydan Karamanoglu, to convey the appreciation of the people of La Guaira to Turkish authorities.

Ambassador vows sustained support

Karamanoglu said TIKA had already provided logistical support and additional humanitarian assistance coordinated by the disaster agency AFAD would soon arrive from Türkiye. "This is not a one-time effort where we simply come, deliver a few supplies, and leave. We want to stand with you throughout this entire process, as your brothers and sisters," the ambassador said.

The twin earthquakes struck on June 24, claiming at least 2,655 lives and causing extensive damage across the country. Teran expressed gratitude for Türkiye's "solidarity and profound affection" following the disaster, which has left thousands displaced and infrastructure shattered.