Brazil Reaffirms Support for Venezuela's Reconstruction After Devastating Earthquakes

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke by phone with Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez on Friday, June 10th, to discuss the earthquakes that struck Venezuela two weeks prior, resulting in at least 3,889 fatalities. President Lula reiterated Brazil's commitment to aiding in the reconstruction efforts and supporting the Venezuelan population. The earthquakes, which occurred on June 24th, were the strongest in the country in over a century, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, and leaving thousands of families homeless in Caracas and surrounding areas. During the call, Rodríguez expressed gratitude for Brazil's humanitarian aid and provided an update on ongoing victim searches and assistance for those affected. She also highlighted Venezuela's preparations for the challenging task of rebuilding, with a focus on housing for displaced families. Brazil is planning a new phase of humanitarian assistance, following an initial operation that included victim rescue and the delivery of essential supplies. The first phase of Brazilian support involved six humanitarian flights, delivering 60 tons of supplies, medical equipment, and 100 water purifiers. Additionally, Brazil sent a field hospital with 30 beds, surgical and emergency care capabilities, a pediatric module, and pandemic preparedness, operated by 93 Navy personnel. The aid also included 71 military firefighters, 4 Civil Defense specialists, and 6 Anatel technicians.