The United States government has launched a sweeping, multi-agency response to the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela, committing $150 million in humanitarian assistance and deploying search and rescue teams to help survivors. According to Antigua News Room, President Trump authorised the response in the hours immediately following the disaster, directing significant financial resources, search and rescue efforts, and coordination with interim Venezuelan authorities.
The Department of State is leading the U.S. government response and has deployed a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to provide on-the-ground coordination, technical support, and operational leadership. The DART includes two urban search and rescue teams drawn from the fire departments of Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles County, California. Each team comprises firefighters, physicians, structural engineers, and canine search specialists. Both teams were previously activated during Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, where they operated in Jamaica.
The State Department has also established a dedicated Venezuela Earthquakes Response Task Force, stood up within hours of the disaster. The Task Force integrates expertise from the Bureaus of Disaster and Humanitarian Response and Consular Affairs, and is led by senior officials with prior disaster management experience in the region.
The $150 million assistance package draws on two streams of funding: $50 million in bilateral awards to partners operating on the ground in Venezuela, including World Vision, Samaritan's Purse, Catholic Relief Services, International Medical Corps, the International Organization for Migration, and the World Food Programme; and a $100 million contribution to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Venezuela pooled fund.
The Department of War (DoW) is playing a central supporting role, leveraging military assets already positioned in the region to accelerate the movement of personnel, equipment, and relief supplies into affected areas. Fixed and rotary-wing aircraft are being used to provide mobility services, support damage assessments, and deliver life-saving assistance. Elements from U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) are working alongside the DART to sustain operational support on the ground.
For Americans in Venezuela, the State Department is providing consular assistance around the clock. U.S. citizens in Venezuela can call +1-202-501-4444 for assistance, while family members in the United States can reach a toll-free line at +1-888-407-4747. Americans in Venezuela are also encouraged to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at STEP.state.gov, consult the Department's Travel Advisory for Venezuela, and follow @TravelGov and @USEmbassyVE on social media for updates.
The Department has launched a dedicated Venezuela Earthquakes Information webpage providing the latest resources and response updates. The United States has stated it remains committed to supporting Venezuela's recovery and will continue to explore additional avenues of assistance.
