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The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced on Thursday the immediate deployment of search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela, by order of President Donald Trump, following the devastating earthquakes that shook the northern part of the country on Wednesday, June 24.
"United States extends its deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes. Our hearts are with all those who have lost loved ones, the injured, and the brave rescue workers who are tirelessly working," wrote Rubio on his official account, adding that "America stands with the Venezuelan people in this difficult time."
Shortly after, the acting president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, confirmed that she had a phone call with the Secretary of State. "Marco Rubio has expressed his solidarity and support for the Venezuelan people during these difficult times for our nation," Rodríguez noted on her social media account X.
The two earthquakes that prompted the U.S. response occurred on Wednesday at 6:04 PM local time, with magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, just 40 seconds apart. The epicenters were located near Morón in the Carabobo state and Yumare in the Yaracuy state, at depths ranging from 10 to 21.9 kilometers, which amplified their destructive power on an already deteriorated infrastructure.
The Venezuelan authorities officially confirmed at least 32 deaths and more than 700 injuries, while unverified sources raise the figures to 236 dead and more than 2,000 injured. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) estimated a 44% probability that the death toll could exceed 10,000 people, with projected economic losses between 2% and 20% of Venezuela's GDP.
More than 500,000 people were exposed to severe tremors. Buildings collapsed in Caracas, especially in the areas of Altamira and Chacao, and the earthquakes were also felt in Colombia, in cities such as Bucaramanga and Bogotá.
Rodríguez declared a constitutional state of emergency on Wednesday night, closed the Maiquetía International Airport due to structural damage, suspended the Caracas Metro and the Tuy Valley Railway, and announced the suspension of classes starting this Thursday. Additionally, he appointed Major Sulbarán as the state's sole authority in response to the emergency.
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