SAN FELIPE, Venezuela, June 25 (World Daily Times) — The U.S. Geological Survey said two major earthquakes hit Venezuela 39 seconds apart Wednesday evening, measuring 7.5 and 7.2, and its PAGER system issued red alerts that projected severe casualties and damage.
President Donald Trump said the quakes had left “a devastating number of deaths” and that the United States stood ready to help. In a Truth Social post, he said he had instructed U.S. agencies to prepare to move quickly.
The first quake was reported near San Felipe and the second near Yumare. Officials said the shaking damaged buildings in Caracas and left rescue crews searching through debris.
Delcy Rodríguez said after the earthquakes that Venezuela was under a state of emergency. She later said at least 32 people had been killed and more than 700 injured.
The USGS said high casualties and extensive damage were likely and warned the disaster could be widespread. 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 set up to coordinate search-and-rescue help, medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
