Türkiye pledges aid as Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 188
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told his Venezuelan counterpart Yvan Gil on Thursday that Ankara would continue providing humanitarian assistance after twin earthquakes killed 188 people and left 157 missing, as two Turkish aircraft carrying search-and-rescue equipment were dispatched to the disaster zone, according to diplomatic sources.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Thursday pledged ongoing humanitarian support to Venezuela during a phone call with Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, following twin earthquakes that struck the South American nation late Wednesday and claimed at least 188 lives. During the conversation, Fidan received detailed information from Gil regarding the seismic impact and Caracas’s immediate relief requirements, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.
Disaster Impact
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela late Wednesday, including a 7.2 magnitude quake in San Felipe in the northwest and a 7.5 magnitude temblor southeast of Yumare. Jorge Rodriguez, president of Venezuela’s National Assembly, told local media that 138 aftershocks had been recorded since the initial tremors. Rodriguez stated that the death toll had risen to 188, with 157 people still unaccounted for.
Emergency Measures
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a national state of emergency immediately after the disaster unfolded. The Venezuelan government announced a $200 million special fund to support urgent reconstruction efforts, including rebuilding damaged homes and hospitals. Expressing condolences on behalf of the Turkish people, Fidan said Ankara would continue providing assistance to the affected regions.
Aid Dispatch
Gil noted that two aircraft dispatched from Türkiye carrying search-and-rescue equipment and humanitarian aid supplies would be deployed to the areas hardest hit by the disaster. The aid delivery forms part of a broader humanitarian commitment Türkiye made to Venezuela following the seismic events, according to the diplomatic sources.
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.