Trump Mobilizes Federal Aid as Venezuela Earthquakes Claim Dozens of Lives

Clear Facts

• Two massive earthquakes struck Venezuela Wednesday evening, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, occurring just 39 seconds apart
• At least 32 people were confirmed killed and more than 700 injured, according to Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez
• President Trump ordered all federal agencies to prepare disaster assistance for Venezuela, calling the nation “our new and great friends”

President Donald Trump announced late Wednesday that devastating earthquakes in Venezuela had caused “a devastating number of deaths,” as he directed federal agencies to mobilize emergency assistance for the South American nation. The twin earthquakes represent the strongest seismic events to strike Venezuela in more than a century.

Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez confirmed Thursday that at least 32 people were killed and more than 700 injured in the disaster. The casualty figures marked the first official death toll released by Venezuelan authorities following the catastrophic event.

The back-to-back earthquakes struck Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction across Venezuela, including significant damage in the capital city of Caracas. Rescue crews worked through the night searching rubble for survivors as buildings collapsed throughout affected regions.

“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 wrote on Truth Social.

The President announced immediate U.S. readiness to assist with disaster response efforts. His statement reflected the warming relations between Washington and Caracas following recent political changes in Venezuela.

“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.”

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the first earthquake measuring magnitude 7.2 struck at 6:04 p.m. ET, with its epicenter approximately 15 miles east-northeast of San Felipe. Just 39 seconds later, a second quake measuring magnitude 7.5 hit, centered about 14 miles southeast of Yumare.

The USGS issued a rare red alert statement for the disaster. “High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread,” the agency warned.

Nearly two dozen aftershocks followed the initial earthquakes, prompting Rodríguez to declare a state of emergency. The interim president addressed her nation in a televised statement, working to maintain calm amid the crisis.

“We urge our population to remain calm,” Rodríguez said. “We urge unity.”

Officials confirmed the earthquakes were among the most powerful to strike Venezuela in over 100 years. The nation’s infrastructure, already strained by years of economic hardship, faced severe testing as rescue operations continued.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed American officials had established contact with Venezuelan authorities and were coordinating assistance delivery to the affected nation.

“The U.S. stands with the Venezuelan people in the aftermath of this evening’s devastating earthquakes,” he wrote on X. “We’re in touch with the authorities and mobilizing assistance.”

The State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs released a statement expressing condolences and commitment to supporting Venezuela through the disaster.

“The U.S. Government is closely monitoring the aftermath of a large earthquake in Venezuela,” the bureau stated.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and are committed to supporting the people of Venezuela during this difficult time,” the statement continued.

The bureau urged American citizens currently in Venezuela to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and monitor updates from the U.S. embassy. Trump’s early reports from Venezuela indicated conditions on the ground were “not good.”

The disaster response marks a significant moment in U.S.-Venezuela relations, with the Trump administration moving quickly to provide humanitarian assistance. The coordinated federal response demonstrates renewed engagement with Venezuela following recent political transitions in the country.

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