US, Cuba and Iran join global rescue effort after Venezuela earthquakes

Countries around the world, including Iran, the US and Cuba, have committed to help with rescue efforts in Venezuela after deadly twin earthquakes hit the country. On the evening of 24 June, Venezuela was rocked by two back-to-back earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale that killed at least 164 people, injured close to 1,000 more, and caused significant damage to the capital Caracas, as well as areas across the north of the country. Marco Rubio, US secretary of state said on Thursday that the US will provide a “whole-of-government” response. “It’ll be big, it’ll be fast, and it’ll be effective,” he told reporters during a visit to Bahrain, saying the Department of Defence would play a “big logistical role”. Latin American countries, including Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and Cuba, also offered solidarity and help. Cuban health workers were already on the scene, said foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez, and were “fully mobilised and providing medical services to the affected population”. The Netherlands said it would allocate about €2m (£1.72m) to send a rescue team with workers, dogs and equipment. Both Spain and France said they would send dozens of rescuers, and Germany promised six military transport planes. They were joined by Switzerland, which promised emergency teams and rescue dogs. …