Death Toll and Injuries
At least 188 people have been killed and more than 1,500 injured after powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela, according to the latest reports. The earthquakes, which occurred on Wednesday, June 24, have caused widespread devastation, particularly in Caracas and the state of La Guaira.
Building Collapses and Rescue Efforts
Rescuers are searching through rubble in Caracas and La Guaira, where the United Nations reports that more than 100 buildings have collapsed. The U.S. Geological Survey stated that the earthquakes had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. The second tremor was the strongest to hit Venezuela since 1900.
State of Emergency Declared
In a brief address to the nation late Wednesday, Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency. She confirmed that communities across the country sustained damage, with La Guaira, on the nation's northern coast, apparently being the hardest hit. "Dozens of buildings have collapsed and we are engaged in the arduous task of rescuing the lives that God allows us to save. The state of La Guaira is facing a true tragedy and has become a disaster zone," she said.
Rodriguez urged the population to remain calm and called for unity. She also asked all healthcare professionals in the country to report to hospitals to assist the injured. The Ministry of Education announced late Wednesday that some schools would be used as shelters and donation centers.
International Response
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on social media early Thursday that, at President Trump's direction, the U.S. is deploying search teams, medical resources, and humanitarian aid to Venezuela. Rubio spoke with Rodriguez and offered the full assistance of the U.S., according to a State Department official. Rodriguez later confirmed the call in a social media post.
Earlier, President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform: "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 U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! 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!"
