Direct Relief Supports Search and Rescue, Mobilizes Medical Aid After Venezuela Earthquakes

Direct Relief is mobilizing emergency medical aid and supporting search and rescue operations following two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings, disrupting power, and creating urgent medical needs across affected areas.

The first 72 hours after an earthquake are critical for reaching people trapped beneath collapsed structures and connecting survivors quickly to emergency medical care. Direct Relief is providing emergency funding to support the deployment of Bomberos Unidos Sin Fronteras, or BUSF, a Spain-based search and rescue organization, to assist with operations on the ground.

At the same time, Direct Relief is preparing medical aid commonly needed after earthquakes, including first aid supplies, hygiene items for displaced families, medicines used in treating acute injuries, and chronic disease medications for people whose access to routine care may be interrupted.

"The people of Venezuela are facing a tragic and rapidly unfolding emergency, and Direct Relief is moving with urgency to help," said Amy Weaver, Direct Relief's CEO. "The priority right now is reaching people who may still be trapped, supporting the teams working to rescue them, and ensuring that medical care is available as survivors are brought to safety. Direct Relief will do everything it can to support the health providers and emergency responders caring for people affected by this crisis."

One of the most serious medical concerns after earthquakes is crush syndrome, which can occur when people are trapped under rubble for hours. The pressure can damage muscle tissue, and when a person is freed, toxins released into the bloodstream can cause kidney failure and other life-threatening complications. Immediate access to trauma care, IV fluids, laboratory monitoring, and dialysis can be critical.

Venezuela's health system was already under severe strain before the earthquakes, making the immediate response more complex. Direct Relief is working with longtime healthcare partners in the region to assess urgent needs and determine where medical aid can be moved safely and effectively.

Direct Relief has a long history of responding to earthquakes, including the Türkiye-Syria earthquakes in 2023, the Haiti earthquakes in 2010 and 2021, the Nepal earthquakes in 2015, and the Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Across those responses, the organization has supported local health providers, search and rescue teams, emergency medical care, displaced families, and longer-term recovery of health services.

Direct Relief will continue responding to requests from healthcare partners as needs emerge.

To support Direct Relief's Venezuela earthquake response, including search and rescue efforts and emergency medical care, visit: DirectRelief.org/donate

One hundred percent of contributions designated for Venezuela earthquake response will be used exclusively for Venezuela earthquake response efforts.