Simon Bolivar International Airport in Venezuela was partially reopened on Saturday to receive cargo flights carrying humanitarian aid, according to a senior U.S. official. The airport, which serves the capital Caracas, resumed operations on one of its runways, allowing C-17 military transport planes to land.

The reopening is part of ongoing relief efforts following a pair of powerful earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday, resulting in nearly 1,000 deaths and tens of thousands missing. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that mobile hospitals were scheduled to arrive at the airport later in the day, enabling more immediate medical support.

In addition to airport operations, the USS Fort Lauderdale, an amphibious military ship, was reported to be positioned off Venezuela’s coast to bolster rescue and relief activities, particularly around the city of La Guaira, one of the hardest-hit areas. The ship provides critical capabilities, including airlift support and command and control functions, allowing for medical evacuations and enhanced logistical coordination. The official highlighted increased use of rotor aircraft as part of the expanded assistance.

The United States has already committed approximately $150 million in aid and anticipates announcing an additional assistance package valued in the nine-figure range in the near future. The emergency response aims to address urgent humanitarian needs amid the widespread destruction caused by the seismic events.