The United States Southern Command (Southcom) conducted an aerial reconnaissance on Saturday over the regions in Venezuela most devastated by the June 24 earthquakes, as revealed by images shared by the military command on social media.
Marine Corps Major General Kevin J. Jarrard, along with John M. Barrett, the U.S. Embassy's Charge d'Affaires, participated in the flyover alongside search and rescue teams and Venezuelan officials to synchronize relief efforts.
The photos depict the tropical coastline from inside a military helicopter, highlighting the extensive destruction: fully collapsed buildings in coastal areas, crushed concrete slabs, and heavy machinery amid debris.
"Collaborating to provide life-saving assistance," Southcom stated in its post featuring personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Florida Task Force, and Marines on the ground.
The back-to-back quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck northern Venezuela on June 24, just 39 seconds apart, marking the most devastating seismic event in the country in 126 years.
Epicenters were located in the states of Yaracuy and Carabobo, with depths ranging from 10 to 20 kilometers, intensifying the surface impact.
According to Jorge Rodríguez, president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, the official toll stands at 1,430 deceased and more than 3,328 injured. Over 54,000 individuals remain unaccounted for.
The United Nations estimates that approximately 6.76 million people have been impacted, including around two million in Caracas, where at least 346 buildings collapsed.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) issued a red alert — the highest level — predicting a 42% chance that the final death toll could range from 10,000 to 100,000.
The U.S. response, spearheaded by the State Department with support from the Department of Defense, includes $150 million in humanitarian aid authorized by President Trump: $100 million directed to the UN fund and $50 million to bilateral organizations.
Additionally, the administration has temporarily suspended economic sanctions on Venezuela for four months, until October 23, 2026, to facilitate relief efforts.
Southcom has deployed urban rescue teams from Fairfax, Virginia, and Los Angeles, California, each consisting of 80 experts, along with specialized canine units, five C-17 Globemaster aircraft, and helicopters pre-positioned in Curaçao.
This marks the first instance in years where U.S. military personnel are operating on Venezuelan soil in a humanitarian mission coordinated with local authorities.
New aftershocks were recorded on Saturday, including a 4.8 magnitude quake that kept the population on alert. To date, at least 30 aftershocks have been counted since June 24, while 25 rescue teams from 17 countries, including Portugal and Spain, are active in the affected areas.
Key Details on the US Humanitarian Response in Venezuela
What was the magnitude of the earthquakes that struck Venezuela?
The earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, occurring just 39 seconds apart.
How many people have been affected by the earthquakes?
The United Nations estimates that approximately 6.76 million people were affected, including around two million in Caracas.
What is the U.S. contribution to the relief efforts?
The U.S. has committed $150 million in humanitarian aid, with $100 million going to the UN fund and $50 million to bilateral organizations.
Are there aftershocks still occurring in Venezuela?
Yes, at least 30 aftershocks have been recorded since June 24, including a 4.8 magnitude quake on a recent Saturday.