WILLEMSTAD – The Government of Curaçao says it continues to closely monitor the situation in neighboring Venezuela following the two powerful earthquakes that struck the country on June 24, triggering a national state of emergency and a large-scale international humanitarian response.
According to the government, the Directorate for Risk Control and Disaster Management (DRR) is coordinating all support efforts from a central command to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches the areas where it is most urgently needed.
Stranded Venezuelan Travelers Assisted
The government highlighted its response to a group of Venezuelan travelers who became stranded in Curaçao after their flight from Madrid to Caracas was forced to divert to Curaçao and was unable to continue due to the emergency.
The following day, some passengers returned to Madrid, while others remained on the island awaiting transportation to Venezuela.
After it became clear that those responsible for arranging onward transportation would be unable to do so, the Curaçao government coordinated an emergency response together with the Red Cross, Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP), the Curaçao Police Force (KPC), Venex, and several volunteers.
On Sunday, June 28, the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) successfully arranged for Avior Airlines to transport the remaining passengers to Venezuela. The government expressed its gratitude to all organizations and individuals who helped provide temporary accommodation and assistance to the stranded travelers.
CUSAR and Military Support
The government also confirmed that on the same day, a team from Curaçao Urban Search and Rescue (CUSAR) traveled to Venezuela alongside U.S. military personnel to assist in the humanitarian response.
Officials emphasized that CUSAR's participation is an independent initiative carried out under the organization's own responsibility and with its own resources.
Meanwhile, Curaçao continues to facilitate operations by the Dutch Caribbean Defense Force and U.S.-led humanitarian missions supporting Venezuela.
The Dutch Caribbean Defense Force is providing assistance on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom.
According to the government, the DRR is conducting internal coordination exercises to ensure all humanitarian activities comply with both local and international legal frameworks.
Although the crisis is taking place outside Curaçao, officials stressed that all humanitarian assistance—including the transport of relief supplies and emergency materials—must comply with applicable laws and international regulations to avoid potential sanctions.
Red Cross Accepting Donations
The government noted that the Curaçao Red Cross plays a key role within the island's disaster management structure and is responsible for coordinating humanitarian response efforts during crises.
At present, the Red Cross is accepting financial donations to support relief operations in Venezuela. Contributions can be made through the organization's MCB bank account #2004, a dedicated account used for international disaster response. All donations will be directed toward humanitarian assistance for those affected by the earthquakes.
Commercial Flights to Caracas Still Suspended
Finally, the government advised that Simón Bolívar International Airport (Maiquetía) in Caracas remains closed to regular commercial flights.
Residents of Curaçao and other travelers currently in Venezuela who need to leave the country are encouraged to use alternative international airports, including:
- Valencia – Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN)
- Barcelona – José Antonio Anzoátegui International Airport (BLA)
- Barquisimeto – Jacinto Lara International Airport (BRM)
The Curaçao government said it will continue to monitor developments and coordinate assistance with local, regional and international partners as the humanitarian response evolves.