The European Union is sending rescue teams and other emergency assistance to Venezuela to help with the emergency situation caused by twin earthquakes earlier this week.
"I thank all the member states for their solidarity and speed - sending firefighters, rescue dogs, medical staff and other forms of assistance," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.
More than 520 responders from eight EU countries, including Germany, have been mobilized after an appeal by Venezuela for help from the bloc, a press release said.
In addition, Italy is sending a medical team and Luxembourg is providing telecommunication, shelter and energy equipment.
The EU is also providing satellite imagery and other geospatial data from the Copernicus satellite service free of charge to Venezuela.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said relief supplies should "reach the area as quickly as possible."
The German military has already started sending aid and German rescue personnel to the South American country by air.
Soldiers, numerous emergency rescuers from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief, and tons of supplies and equipment were on the flights. The relief supplies included water filters, camp beds, tents, and generators.
