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The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced this Thursday the immediate deployment of search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela, following instructions from President Donald Trump, after the devastating earthquakes that struck 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 working tirelessly," wrote Rubio on his official account, adding that "America stands with the Venezuelan people during 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 stated 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 separated by just 40 seconds. The epicenters were located near Morón in Carabobo state and Yumare in Yaracuy state, at depths ranging from 10 to 21.9 kilometers, which amplified their destructive power on already deteriorated infrastructure.
The Venezuelan authorities officially confirmed at least 32 dead and more than 700 injured, although unverified sources raise the numbers to 236 deceased and over 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 tremors were also felt in Colombia, in cities such as Bucaramanga and Bogotá.
Rodríguez declared a state of constitutional 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 sole state authority in response to the emergency.
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