Trump says Venezuela earthquakes caused devastating deaths, offers US aid
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President Donald Trump said late Wednesday that two powerful earthquakes that hit Venezuela have caused what he called a “devastating number of deaths” as officials continued to assess the extent of the disaster.
Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez later set the country’s first official casualty figure, saying at least 32 people had died and more than 700 were injured in the earthquakes.
Trump’s comments came after back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela early Wednesday caused widespread damage, including in the capital Caracas, where buildings were damaged and rescue teams searched through the rubble.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said two “major” earthquakes caused widespread destruction.
PLAYERS AND FANS FLED FROM THE STADIUM WHEN POWERFUL EARTHQUAKES HIT A VENEZUELA BASEBALL GAME
First responders go to a damaged building in Los Palos Grandes, Caracas, following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Venezuela and the Caribbean on June 24, 2026. (Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)
“Two major earthquakes that struck the great people of Venezuela caused both massive and devastating deaths,” Trump wrote.
Trump said the United States was ready to assist with the ongoing response.
“The USA is ready, willing and able to help!” Trump said. “I have instructed all agencies of our government to prepare to act quickly. We will be there for our wonderful new friends.”
Trump added that initial reports from Venezuela were “not good.”
USA RENEWS ‘DO NOT TRAVEL’ WARNING ABOUT TERRORISM AND KIDNAPPING DURING TRUMP NARCO-TERRORISM FIGHT
Rescue workers search through debris after an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Javier Campos)
The 7.2-magnitude earthquake, with its epicenter about 25 miles east-northeast of San Felipe, occurred at 6:04 p.m. local time, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Just 39 seconds later, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck, with the epicenter approximately 22 kilometers southeast of Yumare.
“High casualties and extensive damage are likely and disaster is likely widespread,” the USGS said in a rare red alert statement.
TRUMP GAVE A DIRECT WARNING TO VENEZUELA’S NEW LEADER DELCY RODRÍGUEZ AFTER MADURO’S CAPTURE
Rescuers search for victims in a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. (Manaure Quintero / AFP via Getty Images)
The quakes were among the strongest seen in Venezuela in more than a century, officials said.
Rodríguez declared a state of emergency on Wednesday after nearly two dozen aftershocks.
In a televised speech later the same day, Rodríguez urged Venezuelans to remain calm.
“We urge our people to remain calm,” Rodríguez said. “We call for unity”
VENEZUELA RELEASED ALL KNOWN AMERICAN DETAINERS AFTER MADURO’S CAPTURE AND GOVERNMENT CAPTURE
On Thursday, Rodríguez announced that at least 32 people had died and more than 700 were injured in the earthquakes.
“We urge our people to remain calm,” Rodríguez said. “We call for unity”
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote on X that American officials were in contact with Venezuelan officials and were working to deliver aid to the South American country.
URGENT MESSAGE FROM VENEZUELAN OPPOSITION LEADER MARÍA MACHADO TO PRESIDENT ELECT DONALD TRUMP
An ambulance drives through the street in the Parque Central urban development complex in Caracas, Venezuela, following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the region on June 24, 2026. (Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)
“The United States stands with the Venezuelan people in the wake of this evening’s devastating earthquakes,” he wrote. “We are in contact with the authorities and are appealing for assistance.”
The State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said it was monitoring developments following the strong earthquakes.
“The US Government is closely monitoring the aftermath of the major earthquake in Venezuela,” the bureau said in a statement.
Emergency services work at the site of a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, June 24, 2026. (REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria)
“We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and are committed to supporting the Venezuelan people during this difficult time,” the statement said. The statement was included.
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The bureau also urged U.S. citizens in Venezuela to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and follow embassy updates.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
