China pledges $14.7M aid, satellite support for Venezuela quake

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun announced on Monday that Beijing will provide 100 million yuan ($14.7 million) in emergency assistance to Venezuela following last week's devastating earthquakes, with funds earmarked for both immediate relief and reconstruction efforts. Speaking at a press briefing in the capital, Guo stated that the aid package includes emergency supplies to be delivered to Caracas in the coming days. "Based on the assistance that we have provided, we would like to provide emergency material assistance worth 100 million RMB," Guo said. "It will be used as response to the earthquake, but also for post-earthquake reconstruction."

Death toll and seismic details

The death toll from the two powerful tremors climbed to 1,450 on Sunday, with 3,150 people injured and 12,721 displaced or otherwise affected by the disaster, according to official figures. The US Geological Survey reported that earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck the South American nation last Wednesday — 39 seconds apart. The quakes caused widespread damage across multiple regions, prompting national authorities to launch comprehensive relief operations.

Satellite imagery and volunteer support

Beyond direct financial assistance, Beijing has supplied satellite imagery of the disaster zone to help Venezuelan authorities assess damage and coordinate rescue efforts effectively. Chinese companies operating in Venezuela and associations representing the overseas Chinese community have also contributed urgently needed machinery and medical supplies, Guo noted. They have organized volunteer rescue teams to assist local emergency responders in searching for survivors in the hardest-hit areas.

Relief operations continue across the affected regions as authorities work to locate survivors and provide shelter to thousands of displaced families.