SAN FELIPE, Venezuela, June 25 (World Daily Times) — Two major earthquakes struck Venezuela 39 seconds apart on Wednesday evening, the U.S. Geological Survey said, shaking areas near San Felipe and Yumare and causing damage in Caracas as rescue crews searched through debris.
The USGS said the quakes measured 7.2 and 7.5. Venezuelan authorities said buildings were damaged or collapsed, and Delcy Rodríguez said rescue teams were carrying out intense search efforts.
Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and later said at least 32 people had died and more than 700 were injured. The USGS PAGER system issued red alerts and projected severe casualties and major economic losses from the disaster.
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the earthquakes had caused “a devastating number of deaths” and that the United States stood ready to help. He said he had instructed federal agencies to prepare to move quickly.
U.S. 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, medical supplies and other humanitarian aid.
