SAN FELIPE, Venezuela, June 25 (World Daily Times) — Two major earthquakes struck Venezuela 39 seconds apart Wednesday evening, damaging buildings in Caracas and prompting a U.S. offer of assistance as rescue crews searched through debris, officials said.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 and were centered near San Felipe and Yumare. Its PAGER system issued red alerts, projecting severe casualties and extensive damage.
Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez said the tremors damaged or collapsed dozens of buildings and left at least 32 people dead and more than 700 injured. She declared a state of emergency and said rescue operations were under way.
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the earthquakes had caused “a devastating number of deaths” and that the United States stood “ready, willing, and able to help.” He said he had ordered U.S. agencies to prepare to move quickly.
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 the department had set up a disaster assistance team and task force to coordinate search-and-rescue support, medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
