The Cuban Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) announced on Thursday that all Cuban health workers stationed in Venezuela are safe following the two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, that struck the northern region of the country on Wednesday, just 39 seconds apart.
According to an official statement by MINSAP, the Cuban Minister of Public Health, Dr. José Ángel Portal Miranda, promptly contacted the leadership of the Cuban Medical Mission in Venezuela upon learning of the seismic events.
The mission's administration successfully reached out to teams in all 24 Venezuelan states where Cuba maintains health collaborators, confirming their safety.
The statement also highlighted that many of these professionals immediately joined relief efforts to assist the Venezuelan people affected by the disaster.
"The Cuban Medical Mission in Venezuela reaffirms its commitment to the health and well-being of the people amidst the challenging situation faced by this sister nation," stated the official MINSAP release.
The Cuban Medical Mission in Venezuela stands as Cuba's largest global health cooperation effort, with approximately 12,930 collaborators spread throughout Venezuelan territory, based on official records from July 2025.
The earthquakes on Wednesday, with epicenters in Yaracuy state and the Yumare area, are the strongest recorded in Venezuela since 1900, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
As of Thursday, the catastrophe has resulted in 164 deaths and 971 injuries, according to the official report from acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who declared La Guaira state a disaster zone due to the collapse of numerous buildings.
In Caracas, the 14-story Petunia residential building and at least one 22-story tower in the Altamira sector collapsed, with more than 90 structures damaged in Miranda state alone.
The USGS issued a Red Alert — its highest level — and its impact estimation system predicted a 42% probability of between 10,000 and 100,000 potential fatalities, although these are automatic projections rather than actual counts.
Countries extending international aid to Venezuela include the United States, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Qatar, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico. Despite having thousands of personnel on the ground, Cuba was not listed among those offering assistance.
Delcy Rodríguez publicly thanked President Donald Trump and his administration for their support, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate dispatch of search and rescue teams, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid to Venezuela.
The Cuban medical mission in Venezuela had previously faced a tumultuous period at the end of 2025 and beginning of 2026, when Cuba began a gradual repatriation of personnel following the fall of Nicolás Maduro's government.
In January 2026, the brigade resumed its healthcare duties in Caracas, and in March of that year, two Cuban doctors died in Venezuela under circumstances that prompted their families to demand answers.
Key Information on Cuban Medical Mission and Venezuelan Earthquakes
What did the Cuban Ministry of Public Health confirm about the safety of its medical staff in Venezuela?
The ministry confirmed that all Cuban health workers in Venezuela are safe following the earthquakes.
How significant were the recent earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes were among the most powerful recorded in Venezuela since 1900, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5.
What was the impact of the earthquakes on Venezuela?
The earthquakes resulted in 164 deaths, 971 injuries, and significant structural damage, with La Guaira declared a disaster zone.
Did Cuba offer international aid to Venezuela after the earthquakes?
Cuba was not mentioned among the countries offering international aid to Venezuela, despite its large presence of medical personnel there.