A Fast Response After the Earthquakes
Panama moved quickly to support Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on June 24, leaving widespread damage, thousands of families in crisis, and an urgent need for international assistance.
The earthquakes, reported at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, caused serious damage across parts of northern Venezuela, including La Guaira and the greater Caracas area. International reports have placed the death toll above 1,400 as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
Panamanians Answer the Call
In Panama, the response was immediate. Citizens, private companies, civil organizations, churches, public institutions, and volunteers joined collection efforts to gather emergency supplies for affected Venezuelan families.
Donation points in Panama City, including Parque Omar and the Hatillo building, received food, bottled water, medicine, hygiene products, clothing, blankets, baby supplies, and other basic necessities.
Mulino Recognizes National Solidarity
President José Raúl Mulino publicly recognized the effort, highlighting the solidarity shown by Panamanians and thanking the rescue teams preparing to assist on the ground.
His message focused on national unity, human compassion, and support for the Venezuelan people during one of the most difficult moments the country has faced in recent years.
Humanitarian Aid Takes Flight
According to reports, Panama completed a first shipment of 18 tonnes of humanitarian aid and prepared a specialized search and rescue team for deployment.
The team includes around 60 trained personnel, four search dogs, drones, and thermal-capable equipment to help locate survivors in collapsed structures.
Rescue Teams Prepare for the Mission
The rescue group brings together units from Sinaproc, the Fire Department, Senafront, Senan, the Panamanian Red Cross, medical personnel, and technical specialists.
Panama’s Ministry of Security said the mission was activated under instructions from the national government to provide direct support to Venezuela after the disaster.
Ordinary People Made the Difference
Beyond the official response, the most powerful image has been the citizen effort. Volunteers formed human chains, sorted donations, loaded trucks, labeled supplies, and helped organize the flow of goods toward logistics centers.
Families arrived with groceries. Taxi drivers brought donations. Young people stayed to volunteer after dropping off supplies. Others offered their time when they could not offer much financially.
A Neighboring Country in Pain
This is the part of the story that matters most for Panama.
The country faces its own challenges, but in moments like this, Panamanians have shown a strong instinct to help. The response to Venezuela was not only institutional. It came from ordinary people who saw a neighboring country in pain and decided to act.
Panama and Venezuela Share Deep Human Ties
For many in Panama, the tragedy also felt close to home. Venezuela and Panama share deep human ties, with many Venezuelan families now living, working, studying, and building their lives in Panama.
That connection helped turn a distant emergency into something personal.
The Humanitarian Bridge Moves Forward
The humanitarian bridge now moves into its next phase: organizing, transporting, and delivering the collected aid where it is most needed.
Rescue teams are also expected to support search operations during a critical period, where time, coordination, and specialized equipment can make a life-saving difference.
Panama Shows What Solidarity Looks Like
Panama’s role in this crisis is a reminder that small countries can have a large impact when citizens and institutions move together.
The response has been practical, organized, and deeply human.
At a moment of tragedy for Venezuela, Panama chose to show up.
Date this article was written: June 28, 2026
