Guyana Leads CARICOM Relief Effort After Deadly Venezuela Earthquakes

The government of Guyana has launched a regional humanitarian mission to assist Venezuela following a catastrophic doublet earthquake system on June 24. The disaster, which included a magnitude 7.2 foreshock near San Felipe and a magnitude 7.5 mainshock along the San Sebastián Fault, resulted in more than 3,600 deaths and 16,000 injuries.

On Tuesday, the vessel Motti departed Georgetown carrying 88 containers of relief supplies, including pharmaceuticals, food, cleaning materials, and 300 water tanks. The shipment also includes a backhoe loader and a skid steer loader donated by the private company ANSA McAL, valued at $846,574. The vessel is expected to arrive in Venezuela within four days.

Initiated by President Irfaan Ali, the operation was supported by the Guyanese private sector and seven CARICOM member states: Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and The Bahamas. Guyanese officials emphasized the necessity of regional solidarity in the face of the tragedy, noting the speed with which partner nations mobilized to consolidate support for their neighbor.