President Trump announced that two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela resulted in significant casualties, as U.S. agencies prepare to provide assistance to the affected nation.
President Donald Trump addressed the nation late Wednesday, stating that two massive earthquakes that struck Venezuela had resulted in “a devastating number of deaths.” His remarks came as officials began assessing the extent of the disaster.
Venezuela’s interim President, Delcy Rodríguez, later confirmed that at least 32 people had been killed and more than 700 injured due to the earthquakes, marking the first official casualty figures released by the government. The earthquakes, which occurred earlier that day, caused widespread damage, particularly in the capital city of Caracas, where buildings were severely impacted and rescue crews were deployed to search through the rubble.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the earthquakes as “massive” and highlighted the widespread devastation they caused. “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,” he wrote.
Trump emphasized that the United States was prepared to assist in the ongoing response efforts. “The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help!” he stated. “I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends.” He also noted that early reports from Venezuela were “not good.”
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake struck at 6:04 p.m. ET with a magnitude of 7.2, its epicenter located approximately 15 miles east-northeast of San Felipe. Just 39 seconds later, a second quake of magnitude 7.5 hit, centered about 14 miles southeast of Yumare. The USGS issued a rare red alert statement, indicating that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread.”
Officials reported that these earthquakes were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century. In response to the disaster, Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and urged the population to remain calm and united. “We urge our population to remain calm,” she said in a televised address. “We urge unity.”
On Thursday, Rodríguez reiterated the casualty figures, confirming that at least 32 individuals had lost their lives and over 700 had been injured. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau communicated via X, stating that American officials were in contact with Venezuelan authorities and working to coordinate assistance for the affected nation. “The U.S. stands with the Venezuelan people in the aftermath of this evening’s devastating earthquakes,” he wrote. “We’re in touch with the authorities and mobilizing assistance.”
The State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs is closely monitoring the situation following the earthquakes. In a statement, the bureau expressed its condolences to the victims and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Venezuelan people during this challenging time. They also urged U.S. citizens in Venezuela to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and to stay updated through embassy communications.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, with many offering support and assistance to Venezuela in the wake of this natural disaster.
According to The Associated Press and Reuters, the U.S. government’s response is ongoing as officials work to provide aid to those affected by the earthquakes.