Earthquakes in Venezuela Cause Severe Damage
President Donald Trump announced late Wednesday that twin earthquakes in Venezuela resulted in ‘a devastating number of deaths.’ Officials remain focused on evaluating the full scope of the disaster.
Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s interim President, later reported that the earthquakes led to at least 32 fatalities and over 700 injuries. These figures mark the first official count of casualties in the earthquakes’ aftermath.
The earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday, bringing extensive damage across regions, including Caracas, the nation’s capital. Numerous structures sustained damage, prompting rescue teams to search for survivors amidst rubble.
In a Truth Social post, Trump stated that the dual ‘massive’ quakes had inflicted widespread destruction.
‘The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths,’
Trump declared U.S. readiness to render assistance in the ongoing relief efforts.
‘The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help!’ he said. ‘I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends.’
Trump indicated early reports from the scene were bleak.
The U.S. Geological Survey noted the primary quake, with a magnitude of 7.2, occurred at 6:04 PM ET. Its epicenter lay approximately 15 miles east-northeast of San Felipe. A subsequent 7.5-magnitude shock hit 39 seconds later, centered about 14 miles southeast of Yumare.
The USGS issued a rare red alert, predicting high casualties and substantial damage. It noted these quakes were among the strongest to target Venezuela in over a century. Rodríguez declared an emergency, with nearly two dozen aftershocks following the initial quakes.
In a public address, Rodríguez urged unity and calm within the population. She later confirmed the casualty numbers.
‘We urge our population to remain calm,’ Rodríguez said. ‘We urge unity.’
On Thursday, Rodríguez reported the updated casualty figures, with 32 confirmed dead and over 700 injured.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau communicated via X that American officials were coordinating with Venezuelan counterparts to provide aid.
‘The U.S. stands with the Venezuelan people in the aftermath of this evening’s devastating earthquakes,’
The State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said it was closely following developments.
‘The U.S. Government is closely monitoring the aftermath of a large earthquake in Venezuela,’ the bureau stated. ‘We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and are committed to supporting the people of Venezuela during this difficult time.’
They also advised U.S. citizens in Venezuela to join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updated embassy communications.