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President Donald Trump reported late Wednesday about two severe earthquakes in Venezuela, labeling them as responsible for “a devastating number of deaths” while officials evaluated the disaster’s scope. Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela’s interim President, confirmed a death toll of at least 32 and over 700 injuries, representing the first official casualty figures.
Following twin earthquakes earlier Wednesday, damage spread throughout Venezuela, including the capital Caracas, where buildings collapsed, and rescue teams combed through debris. On Truth Social, Trump described the “massive” earthquakes causing widespread chaos.
PLAYERS, FANS FLEE STADIUM AS POWERFUL EARTHQUAKES STRIKE DURING VENEZUELA BASEBALL GAME
First responders addressed a damaged structure in Los Palos Grandes, Caracas, after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Venezuela and the Caribbean on June 24, 2026. (Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)
“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 noted.
Trump assured that the United States was ready to provide aid.
“The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help!” Trump stated. “I have instructed all agencies of our government to prepare for swift action. We will be there for our new and great friends.” He added that initial assessments from Venezuela were “not good.”
US RENEWS ‘DO NOT TRAVEL’ ALERT OVER TERRORISM, KIDNAPPING AMID TRUMP NARCO-TERROR FIGHT
Rescue teams searched through the Caracas rubble after the quake on June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Javier Campos)
The U.S. Geological Survey reported a 7.2 magnitude earthquake occurred at 6:04 p.m. ET, centered approximately 15 miles northeast of San Felipe. Within 39 seconds, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake followed, centered about 14 miles southeast of Yumare.
The USGS issued a rare red alert predicting likely high casualties and extensive damage.
TRUMP ISSUES DIRECT WARNING TO VENEZUELA’S NEW LEADER DELCY RODRÍGUEZ FOLLOWING MADURO CAPTURE
Rescuers searched for victims in a collapsed building in Caracas on June 24, 2026. (Manaure Quintero / AFP via Getty Images)
Officials stated these quakes were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century. Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, noting aftershocks continued.
In a broadcast, Rodríguez urged citizens to stay calm and unite.
On Thursday, Rodríguez confirmed 32 deaths and over 700 injuries from the earthquakes.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau indicated that American officials were in communication with Venezuelan authorities to provide assistance.
VENEZUELAN OPPOSITION LEADER MARÍA MACHADO HAS URGENT MESSAGE FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT DONALD TRUMP
An ambulance navigated the streets at Caracas’s Parque Central post the magnitude 7.2 earthquake on June 24, 2026. (Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)
“The U.S. stands with the Venezuelan people following this evening’s devastating earthquakes,” Landau expressed. “We’re coordinating with the authorities to mobilize support.”
The State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs stated they were monitoring developments after the strong quakes.
“The U.S. Government closely watches the aftermath of a significant earthquake in Venezuela,” their statement said. “We extend deep condolences to the victims and are determined to support Venezuela in this difficult period.”
The bureau advised U.S. citizens in Venezuela to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and observe embassy updates.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
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