US pledges $150 million in aid to Venezuela

The United States will provide $150 million in aid to Venezuela following Wednesday's devastating earthquakes, the U.S. State Department announced

The government has pledged a contribution of US$100 million to a United Nations humanitarian fund for Venezuela and another US$50 million to aid organizations already operating in the country.

The U.S. Department of Defense will also provide aircraft to assess damage, locate injured people and deliver life-saving assistance, the State Department added.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously announced that the US would send search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles County. Additionally, a Disaster Response Team (DART) will be deployed to provide specialized disaster response expertise.

The earthquakes that hit Venezuela left at least 188 dead and 1,520 injured, said Jorge Rodríguez, president of the country's National Assembly, this Thursday (25).

Earthquakes in Venezuela: US must play a humanitarian role in emergency aid | CNN 360º

Also according to Rodríguez, at least 200 people are trapped under rubble and another 157 are missing. He estimated that more than 2,900 families were affected by the earthquakes.

In total, eight hospitals were affected, and some of them had to be vacated.

The UN and several countries reported that they are mobilizing emergency assistance following the tremors.

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Source: CNN