Venezuela: ten days after earthquakes, hope persists among rubble

Return of the rescue teams and continuity of aid

The teams of rescuers from Spain, Chile and Mexico began their return to their countries after completing the search tasks in the areas affected by the two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that shook northern Venezuela on June 24. The earthquakes, occurring just 39 seconds apart in what is described as a “seismic doublet,” caused hundreds of buildings to collapse, mainly in La Guaira and some areas of Caracas.

Venezuelan authorities and international organizations report thousands of deaths, tens of thousands of injuries and a still undetermined number of missing people. Property damage is estimated in the billions of dollars, with tens of thousands of structures affected.

In this transition scenario towards recovery, the firefighters of A Coruña (Spain) have already returned home. The Galician body broadcast images of the game and received thanks from the local population. The second Spanish contingent, which included the Immediate Disaster Response Team (ERICAM), arrived this Saturday in Madrid-Barajas, where it was received by Civil Protection authorities.

Chile coordinated the return of its rescuers aboard an Air Force Boeing 767. The same flight transports a second shipment of assistance: 35,000 doses of vaccines, medical supplies and food, managed by Senapred, the Ministry of Health and other entities, in collaboration with the private sector.

In Mexico, the “Los Topos” team received an emotional farewell at the Valencia airport, Carabobo state. Citizens and local authorities paid tribute to the Mexican rescuers for their professionalism.

Help that keeps coming

As the teams return, the help continues. Uruguay announced that a Hercules plane will depart in the next few hours with donations collected by the population, companies and the resident Venezuelan community. Spain donated a modular field hospital through the AECID, which will be installed this weekend in the Parque del Este in Caracas.

The United States will maintain a prolonged presence to support assistance and debris removal, especially in La Guaira, the most devastated area. American teams are also involved in repairing port infrastructure to facilitate the arrival of supplies.

In total, the international community mobilized more than 3,000 rescuers from dozens of countries, along with canine teams, vehicles and tons of supplies. The UN and the Red Cross have deployed field hospitals. Venezuelan authorities highlighted the value of this solidarity, but sources agree that the needs remain urgent: medical care, shelter, food, drinking water and safe debris removal.

A message from Lampedusa

Pope Leo XIV took advantage of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States to send a clear message: he called on his native country to “welcome, protect and assist immigrants.” The statement came during his visit to the Italian island of Lampedusa, the main entry point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean.

“Receiving them with compassion and generosity is not only an act of charity, but also a recognition of the dignity that belongs to every human person,” he said in his speech to the United States. The pontiff stressed that the defense of life, a central principle of Catholic doctrine, implies welcoming those fleeing war, persecution or poverty.

Visit to Lampedusa

Leo XIV chose Lampedusa for this commemoration. The island has received more than 7 thousand migrants this year. During the visit, he asked European leaders to adopt a long-term strategy that combines immediate assistance with integration and cooperation policies with countries of origin.

The gesture recalled Francis’ visit in 2013, his first trip outside Rome. Leo XIV laid flowers in the cemetery where migrants who died during the crossing rest and toured the “Gate of Europe”, a monument dedicated to the victims of the Mediterranean. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 1,400 people have lost their lives or disappeared this year trying to cross, including 28 minors.

Since his election in May 2025, Leo XIV has made the defense of migrants a central axis of his pontificate.

The traditional Fourth of July parade in Washington was suspended due to the extreme heat wave affecting the eastern United States. The measure was taken to protect participants and spectators during the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of independence.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an extreme heat alert for the capital area. Thermal sensations of between 43 and 46 degrees Celsius are expected. The parade was scheduled for 10:30 local time.

“The decision was made after a careful and exhaustive evaluation, putting the safety of participants, spectators and staff first,” organizers said in a statement released Friday night.

The suspension comes as a persistent “heat dome” remains over much of the east of the country. This has led to exceptionally high temperatures, health alerts and changes to outdoor activities over the holiday weekend.

Authorities recommended limiting sun exposure, staying hydrated and avoiding intense physical activities during the hottest hours.