In the wake of two significant earthquakes that struck La Guaira, Venezuela, three days ago, the United States is leading the international humanitarian response, committing more than $300 million to assist those affected. As of Monday afternoon, the death toll has surpassed 1,700, with more than 50,000 individuals reported missing.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped under debris. The US government has played a pivotal role in the disaster response, having initially pledged $150 million to faith-based aid organizations within the first 24 hours following the earthquakes.
According to Sam Vigersky, an international affairs fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, the response from the US has been unprecedented. "This response has been historic from the outset. The U.S. has provided a substantial amount of money, $150 million within the first 24 hours. They've deployed four search and rescue teams and have a very heavy Department of Defense presence on the ground," he stated.
Currently, over 300 US personnel are deployed in Venezuela, including search and rescue teams from Los Angeles and Fairfax, as well as military and FEMA staff. Vigersky emphasized the urgency of the situation, particularly in light of the Trump administration's previous actions regarding Venezuelan leadership and foreign aid programs.
"They feel enormous pressure inside the State Department to show up for the Venezuelan people and the government. This is really of a scale and speed that shows they want to be reactive and they want to deliver life-saving aid to the people who need it desperately right now," he added.
Additionally, a Trump administration official confirmed that at least three American citizens have lost their lives in the disaster, with 12 others reported missing.
Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).
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