Spain holds silent tributes as Venezuela earthquake deaths exceed 1,450; US doubles emergency aid to $300 million

The seismic disaster

Two earthquakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela on 24 June, triggering widespread devastation. As of 29 June, authorities have confirmed at least 1,450 fatalities and 3,150 injured, with rescue operations still ongoing. The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has identified 17 Spanish nationals among the dead and 138 still missing. In Guillena (Seville), 34-year-old Natalia, a Spanish-Colombian resident of the Torre de la Reina district, was found dead. Her husband and daughter, who were travelling with her, survived the tremors. In La Gomera, three residents of the Canary Island were confirmed dead, and officials warned the toll may rise.

We are receiving sad news that logically worries us. The priority now is to recover lives, attend to the families, and know with certainty the real dimension of the tragedy.

Spain's institutional response

Responding to a call from the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), city halls and regional governments across the country observed a minute of silence on Monday. In Castile and León, regional president Alfonso Fernández Mañueco stated the gesture "united us with the pain of Venezuela" and promised psychological support services through the 012 helpline. The Valladolid provincial government approved €30,000 in extraordinary aid, channelled via UNICEF for water, sanitation and hygiene supplies. In Ciudad Real, which hosts a large Venezuelan community, mayor Francisco Cañizares announced a meeting of the municipal cooperation council to coordinate emergency projects and possibly increase funding.

Now it is time to save lives and rebuild hope.

Communities in mourning

In Guillena, Natalia's mother attended the silent tribute after the town declared an official day of mourning. The association of Venezuelans in Ciudad Real, through president Tania Rimmer, thanked the local authorities and residents for their support, noting that several members have missing relatives or have lost loved ones. In Torremolinos (Málaga), mayor Margarita del Cid announced the preparation of a guide listing secure donation channels, such as Red Cross and Caritas, to avoid unverified schemes.

International aid and prevention

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s department announced on Monday an increase in emergency assistance to more than $300 million (€263 million), doubling the $150 million pledged days earlier. Of the new funds, $50 million will finance critical partner operations, bringing total bilateral and UN-coordinated support to $200 million for medical care, food, water, shelter and logistics. Four US urban search-and-rescue teams, comprising over 300 personnel and 23 dogs, are working in Venezuela. Meanwhile, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) urged donors to prioritize monetary contributions over material goods and to use only official channels to avoid fraud.

Aid timeline and scale