Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump said late Wednesday that the United States stands ready to assist Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country, as officials reported at least 164 deaths and more than 971 injuries.
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced the first official casualty figures Thursday, following the back-to-back earthquakes that caused widespread destruction across the country, including significant damage in the capital of Caracas.
“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,” the president wrote on Truths Social.
The president said the United States was prepared to help with relief efforts.
“The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help!” Trump 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. Early reports are not good!!! “
According to the United States Geological Survey, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck at 6:04 p.m. ET with its epicenter approximately 15 miles east-northeast of San Felipe. Just 39 seconds later, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck about 14 miles southeast of Yumare.
The USGS issued a rare red alert, warning that “high casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread.”
Officials said the earthquakes were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century. Rodríguez declared a state of emergency after the quakes, which were followed by nearly two dozen aftershocks.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said American officials were coordinating with Venezuelan authorities to provide assistance.
“The U.S. stands with the Venezuelan people in the aftermath of this evening’s devastating earthquakes,” Landau wrote. “We’re in touch with the authorities and mobilizing assistance.”
The United States Department of State Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs also said it was monitoring developments, extended condolences to the victims, and urged Americans in Venezuela to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and follow embassy updates.
