Puerto Rico mobilizes aid for earthquake victims in Venezuela

Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana met with government agencies, the National Guard, the Ports Authority, and partner entities to coordinate next steps in Puerto Rico’s humanitarian response for communities affected by earthquakes in Venezuela.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Department of State has begun coordinating humanitarian aid efforts for victims of the recent earthquakes in Venezuela, as the U.S. territory establishes collection centers and deploys emergency personnel.

Secretary of State Rosachely Rivera Santana outlined the government’s response, joined by leaders from Puerto Rico’s emergency services agencies, including Fire Chief Josué Piñeiro, Emergency Medical Services Commissioner Abner Gómez, and Emergency Management Commissioner Ángel Jiménez. Community organizations, such as Cáritas of Puerto Rico and the Venezuelan Ateneo Foundation, also participated in the announcement.

Rivera Santana said the Puerto Rican government has been in contact with U.S. federal authorities and the U.S. Embassy in Caracas to determine the appropriate channels for delivering aid. The earthquakes in Venezuela have caused widespread devastation, with hundreds reported dead and thousands injured.

“From the earliest hours of this emergency, we worked closely with Governor Jenniffer González Colón to identify the best way to assist the Venezuelan people,” Rivera Santana said. “We also met with members of the Venezuelan community in Puerto Rico, who understand firsthand the needs on the ground.”

Based on those consultations, the government has prioritized the collection of medical supplies, first-aid materials, and medications. Officials are also requesting nonperishable food items with a minimum shelf life of six months, including canned goods. Additional items in demand include work and surgical gloves, safety helmets, flashlights, batteries, extension cords, portable chargers, and personal hygiene products.

Rivera Santana confirmed that federal authorization has been secured to send humanitarian aid abroad. Puerto Rico has also assembled a response team consisting of 11 paramedics, including an emergency medicine physician, 33 firefighters trained in disaster response, and 55 search-and-rescue personnel.

To facilitate donations, five collection centers will open Tuesday, June 30, in Guaynabo, Manatí, Ponce, Fajardo, and Mayagüez. The sites will operate Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All donated materials will be sent directly to Venezuela through joint efforts by Cáritas Puerto Rico, Cáritas International, and Cáritas Venezuela.

“Puerto Rico knows the importance of solidarity in difficult times,” Rivera Santana said. “We want to extend a helping hand to those facing this emergency and ensure that aid reaches the families who need it most.”