SAN FELIPE, Venezuela, June 25 (World Daily Times) — Two major earthquakes struck Venezuela 39 seconds apart Wednesday evening, the U.S. Geological Survey said, and its red-alert system projected severe casualties and widespread damage as rescue crews searched collapsed buildings in Caracas.
The agency said the quakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 and were centered near San Felipe and Yumare. Its PAGER system warned that high casualties and extensive damage were likely and that the disaster could be widespread.
Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency after the quakes and later said at least 32 people had died and more than 700 were injured. She said dozens of buildings had collapsed and rescue teams were carrying out intense search efforts.
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the earthquakes had left “a devastating number of deaths” and that the United States stood ready to help. He said he had instructed U.S. agencies to prepare to move quickly.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said U.S. officials were in contact with Venezuelan authorities and were mobilizing assistance. Senior State Department official Jeremy Lewin said a disaster assistance team and task force had been established to coordinate search-and-rescue support, medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
