President Donald Trump expressed concerns on Wednesday about the severe impact caused by two major earthquakes in Venezuela. He described the disaster as resulting in a ‘devastating number of deaths’ while officials continued to evaluate the situation.
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez later confirmed that at least 32 people lost their lives, and over 700 individuals sustained injuries during the earthquakes. This announcement marked the country’s first official report on casualties.
The earthquakes struck earlier on Wednesday, generating widespread destruction, notably in Caracas, where damaged buildings required rescue teams to search through rubble.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump labeled the earthquakes as ‘massive’ and highlighted the extensive devastation they brought.
Trump reassured that the United States was ready to support the response efforts. ‘The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help!’ he stated, instructing government agencies to prepare for quick action.
Early reports from Venezuela appeared grim according to Trump.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake initially struck at 6:04 p.m. ET. Its epicenter was approximately 15 miles east-northeast of San Felipe. A subsequent magnitude 7.5 quake followed just 39 seconds later, with its epicenter about 14 miles southeast of Yumare.
High casualties and wide-ranging damage were predicted in a rare red alert issued by the USGS.
The consecutive earthquakes were labeled as some of the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a hundred years. President Rodríguez declared a state of emergency due to these earthquakes followed by nearly two dozen aftershocks.
In a television address, Rodríguez urged the Venezuelan populace to stay calm and united.
‘We urge our population to remain calm,’ Rodríguez stated. ‘We urge unity.’
On Thursday, Rodríguez updated the death toll to 32 and confirmed more than 700 injuries.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau indicated on social media that American officials were communicating with Venezuelan authorities to deliver aid.
The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs monitored developments closely. The bureau issued a statement expressing condolences and offering support to the Venezuelan people.
It encouraged U.S. citizens in Venezuela to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and remain updated through embassy communications.