Following a pair of significant earthquakes that struck Venezuela, former President Donald Trump pledged the United States' readiness to provide aid. The quakes, measured at magnitudes 7.1 and 7.5 by the U.S. Geological Survey, have raised concerns about a "devastating number of deaths," with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 fatalities.
Trump, who has recently established a new relationship with Caracas following the removal of dictator Nicolas Maduro in January, shared his commitment to assisting Venezuela on the social media platform Truth Social. "The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly," Trump stated. He added, "We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!!"
The United States and Venezuela have maintained diplomatic relations since Maduro was deposed. The powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing buildings to collapse in the capital, Caracas, and prompting warnings of high casualties and extensive destruction.
The U.S. Geological Survey warned that "high casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread." Harrowing footage from Caracas depicted emergency crews navigating through the rubble of collapsed structures as darkness fell, while residents stood in the streets surveying damaged homes and apartments.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello confirmed on state television that buildings and houses had been brought down in the capital. "Some buildings have been brought down (in Caracas), houses have collapsed," he said. Witnesses described observing cracks extending up apartment buildings as the ground shook and recounted residents fleeing outside, too frightened to return indoors.
The tremors occurred on a public holiday in Venezuela, marking the 1821 military victory that secured the country's independence from Spain. The first earthquake registered at 6:04 p.m. Venezuela time, with its epicenter located about 17 miles northwest of Montalbán. A second, more powerful earthquake, measuring 7.5 magnitude, struck just one minute later, with its epicenter near the city of Morón. Both earthquakes had relatively shallow depths.
While earthquakes are considered unusual in Venezuela, the country is situated near several fault lines, straddling the South American and Caribbean plates. The quakes were felt in multiple states, with "alarming situations" reported in Caracas's Altamira neighborhood, including collapsed homes and buildings. Cabello urged residents to remain outdoors due to the risk of aftershocks damaging weakened structures.
The U.S. Pacific Tsunami Warning Center issued a tsunami threat for the coasts of Venezuela, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Aruba. The agency advised individuals in coastal areas to move away from the water, beaches, harbors, and inlets. The U.S. embassy in Caracas cautioned its citizens to avoid damaged areas, refrain from entering compromised buildings, and seek safe shelter.
Residents shared their experiences of the earthquakes, describing the ground shaking violently and objects falling within their homes. Many lost power and internet services. Emergency services, including fire trucks, were visible on the streets of Caracas, and significant damage to building facades was reported.