SAN FELIPE, Venezuela, June 25 (World Daily Times) — The U.S. Geological Survey said two major earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening 39 seconds apart, one near San Felipe and the other near Yumare, triggering red alerts and widespread damage in Caracas as rescue crews searched through debris.
Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez said the government declared a state of emergency after the quakes, which damaged and in some cases collapsed buildings in the capital and other areas. Rodríguez later said at least 32 people were killed and more than 700 were injured.
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the earthquakes had caused “a devastating number of deaths” and that the United States stood ready to help Venezuela. He said he had instructed federal agencies to prepare to move quickly.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said U.S. officials were in contact with Venezuelan authorities and were mobilizing assistance. The State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said it was closely watching the aftermath and extending condolences.
Senior State Department official Jeremy Lewin said the United States had set up a disaster assistance team and task force to coordinate aid, including search-and-rescue operations, medical supplies and humanitarian support.
The USGS PAGER system said the quakes could produce high casualties and extensive damage, with impacts expected to be widespread.
