The Daily Journal — International relief efforts for Venezuela expanded again on Tuesday as several Latin American capitals sent new logistical contingents to support emergency operations. Governments across the region activated air bridges and prepared maritime routes to deliver tons of medical supplies, power generators, healthcare personnel, and specialized search technology following the earthquakes that have officially claimed at least 1,943 lives and injured more than 10,000 people.
Brazil deploys search technology and military personnel
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) announced the departure of its fifth humanitarian flight from Rio de Janeiro, with a scheduled stop in São Paulo to load approximately 5.5 tons of medical supplies and rapid diagnostic tests donated by Brazil’s Ministry of Health. The delegation also includes members of the Brazilian Navy, who will expand the operational capacity of the field hospital already serving La Guaira.
The technical team also includes specialists from the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) equipped with high-sensitivity tools capable of detecting cellphone signals inside collapsed structures.
With this latest mission, Brazil now has 126 personnel on the ground, including firefighters, physicians, and civil defense specialists. Earlier deployments also included six search-and-rescue dogs and 100 solar-powered water purification systems, each capable of producing 5,000 liters of drinking water per day.
Ecuador and Argentina launch continuous air bridges
Meanwhile, Ecuador’s government dispatched a C-130 Hercules aircraft from its Air Force early Tuesday morning, carrying 14 tons of humanitarian supplies collected through nine nationwide donation centers.
“Early this morning, the Armed Forces transported 14 tons of humanitarian aid aboard a C-130 Hercules aircraft from the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE) to assist families affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela,” Ecuador’s Ministry of Defense posted on X.
The shipment includes 11.4 tons of drinking water and 2.6 tons of personal hygiene kits, forming part of a daily humanitarian airlift announced by Ecuador’s vice presidency.
At the same time, Argentina launched two additional military aircraft—a C-130 Hercules and an Embraer ERJ-140—from El Palomar Air Base, sending 38 healthcare professionals and rescue technicians to reinforce the 24 emergency responders deployed last Friday.
Argentine presidential spokesperson Adrián Ravier said the cargo includes tents, field kitchens, generators, communications equipment, and two search-and-rescue dogs with their handlers.
Mexico prepares maritime aid and power generators
From Mexico City, President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the immediate shipment of emergency power equipment and announced preparations for maritime logistical support to help restore essential services along Venezuela’s northern coast.
She described the direct coordination between officials from Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense and Venezuelan authorities to identify the most urgent needs on the ground.
“We are sending about seven power generators today aboard an aircraft so they can arrive as emergency assistance. We are also preparing a ship with the Navy Secretariat to transport food donations and other supplies collected by various institutions, including Venezuela’s embassy in Mexico. Some assistance will travel by air, and the rest will go by sea,” Sheinbaum said.
Cuba sends forensic specialists and medical brigades
Cuba strengthened its humanitarian mission by sending a second technical delegation to Venezuela.
The new team consists of 13 professionals, including forensic medicine specialists and healthcare personnel from the internationally recognized Henry Reeve Medical Brigade, which has responded to natural disasters and global health emergencies for more than a decade.
The contingent immediately joined the first group of Cuban rescue workers that arrived in Caracas on Sunday, as well as Cuban doctors and nurses already assisting hospitals throughout the disaster zone.
Through official government channels, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rescue operations and medical assistance.
“Cuban rescue workers are already in the disaster zone. Cuban doctors joined the care of the injured from the very first minute. We continue standing beside all Cubans there, their families, and our beloved Venezuela,” the Cuban president said.
With reporting from EFE.
