Türkiye sends 30 tons of humanitarian aid to earthquake-hit Venezuela

Türkiye has delivered a significant shipment of humanitarian aid to Venezuela, which was struck by two powerful earthquakes in late June. Two military cargo aircraft carrying 30 tons of relief supplies arrived at Simon Bolivar International Airport, where they were received by Turkish Ambassador Naci Aydan Karamanoğlu and Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil.

The Aid Package and Context

The shipment includes 275 large tents from Türkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), equipment for temporary shelters, and nearly seven tons of medical supplies and medicines. The aircraft also brought back Turkish search and rescue teams, including personnel from AFAD, the National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE), and the Turkish Red Crescent, who had been deployed for two weeks following the disaster. Ambassador Karamanoğlu noted that Venezuelan authorities and the public had expressed high praise for the professionalism and dedication of the Turkish teams.

Reciprocal Solidarity

Foreign Minister Gil thanked Türkiye on behalf of Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, emphasizing that Ankara was "among the first countries to extend a helping hand" after the earthquakes. He recalled that Venezuelan search and rescue teams had previously been sent to Türkiye following the devastating February 2023 earthquakes and that Acting President Rodríguez had awarded the "Heroes of Venezuela Medal" to the Turkish personnel. Gil added that the focus is now shifting to the reconstruction phase.

Scale of the Disaster

The twin earthquakes, measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela on June 24 within 39 seconds of each other. The United Nations Development Programme has estimated the direct physical damage at approximately $6.7 billion, with search and rescue operations still ongoing. The death toll and number of injured are expected to rise.