U.S. Sends Maj. Gen. Jarrard to Venezuela as 7.2, 7.5 Quakes Kill 235
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 26
U.S. Sends Maj. Gen. Jarrard to Venezuela as 7.2, 7.5 Quakes Kill 235
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 26
Summary
Maj. Gen. Kevin J. Jarrard arrived in Caracas to serve as SOUTHCOM’s senior official on the ground, overseeing U.S. earthquake relief operations already underway.
At least 235 people were killed and about 4,300 injured after twin quakes struck 39 seconds apart Wednesday, with La Guaira described as the hardest-hit disaster zone.
The U.S. response now includes search teams, medical resources and humanitarian aid, while Treasury waived some sanctions until Oct. 23 to allow relief-related transactions.
Simón Bolívar International Airport was closed after damage, schools were canceled for several days and some campuses were turned into shelters and donation centers.
USGS said the 7.2 and 7.5 quakes were among Venezuela’s strongest in more than a century and estimated a 42% chance the death toll could exceed 10,000.
Will US aid help rebuild Venezuela, or simply tighten its grip on the nation's oil?
Will this disaster derail Venezuela's fragile oil recovery or accelerate foreign investment?
Aftershocks and Aid: The Immediate and Long-Term Fallout of Venezuela’s June 24, 2026 Earthquakes
Overview
On June 24, 2026, powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing immediate and severe damage across several regions. The hardest hit states—Trujillo, Carabobo, Miranda, and La Guaira—faced urgent needs for relief and damage assessment. In response, countries from Latin America, India, and the United States quickly offered assistance, highlighting the disaster’s international significance. The rapid mobilization of aid reflects the scale of devastation and the necessity for coordinated efforts. As the situation unfolds, both local and global actors are focusing on delivering emergency support and planning for Venezuela’s recovery.