ORANJESTAD – The Government of Aruba is preparing to provide humanitarian assistance to Venezuela following the powerful earthquake that caused widespread destruction and loss of life, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira.
Prime Minister Mike Eman announced that the Aruban government is working with authorities within the Kingdom of the Netherlands to determine what assistance the island can provide, including possible support for search-and-rescue operations.
On Wednesday morning, Eman met with Rino Hermans, director of Aruba's Crisis Management Office, Police Chief Ramon Arnhem, and Susan de Lange of the Aruba Security Service to assess the situation. The government also contacted the Venezuelan Consul on Aruba, the Kingdom of the Netherlands' Ambassador to Venezuela, Carmen Gonsalves, and various Kingdom agencies to coordinate information and potential aid.
According to information received by the Aruban government, La Guaira is among the areas hardest hit by the earthquake, with the death toll continuing to rise.
Authorities also confirmed that all personnel of the Dutch Embassy in Caracas are safe. However, two embassy employees reportedly lost their homes as a result of the earthquake. At this stage, there are no indications that any Aruban citizens have been affected.
Eman stressed that the next 48 hours are critical for search-and-rescue efforts, as emergency teams continue looking for people who may still be trapped beneath collapsed buildings.
The prime minister noted that Aruba has experience participating in humanitarian relief missions following major natural disasters, including the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
He also expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan community living on Aruba, acknowledging that many families are anxiously awaiting news about relatives affected by the disaster.
Meanwhile, the government is evaluating whether the planned resumption of commercial flights between Aruba and Venezuela before August remains feasible. According to Eman, that decision will depend in part on the operational condition of Maiquetía International Airport.
He added that, if conditions permit, an air connection could be opened immediately to facilitate humanitarian relief operations.
The Aruba Crisis Management Office has established a public information line at 588-0100, while the Department of Foreign Affairs can be reached at 583-4705 for additional information related to the emergency response.