SAN FELIPE, Venezuela, June 25 (World Daily Times) — Two major earthquakes struck Venezuela 39 seconds apart on Wednesday evening, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, damaging buildings in Caracas and prompting the USGS to issue red alerts for possible severe casualties and economic losses.
The USGS 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.
Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez said the country had declared a state of emergency after the quakes. On Thursday, she said at least 32 people were killed and more than 700 were injured, while rescue crews searched through collapsed buildings and debris in the capital and other affected areas.
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 Venezuela. He said he had instructed U.S. 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. Jeremy Lewin, a senior State Department official, said the department had set up a disaster assistance team and task force to coordinate search-and-rescue support, medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
