The United States has committed $150 million in humanitarian assistance to aid victims of two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela, officials announced Friday. The earthquakes, which occurred in quick succession on Wednesday evening, have resulted in at least 920 deaths and 3,360 injuries, according to Jorge Rodríguez, president of Venezuela's National Assembly.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities anticipating that the death toll will rise as many individuals are believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the first quake registered a magnitude of 7.2, with its epicenter located approximately 100 miles west of the capital, Caracas. The second quake, a magnitude 7.5, followed less than a minute later and was centered about four miles east, near the coastal town of Morón. Significant damage has been reported in the coastal state of La Guaira.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed condolences, calling the event "devastating" and stating the United States was "ready, willing, and able" to assist.
International organizations are also mobilizing relief efforts. The International Federation of Red Cross, along with its Venezuelan branch, is coordinating relief operations and seeking donations. UNICEF USA is providing emergency support for children and families, estimating that 3.9 million children live in areas affected by the earthquakes. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has deployed an initial response, including the distribution of essential relief items and medical supplies. The IRC noted that "catastrophic" damage has left many people with nothing, and the need for immediate support is "overwhelming."
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), which previously assisted Venezuela during its 2019 refugee crisis, is also collecting donations for essential supplies. Save the Children is working with local partners to assess and address the urgent needs of children and families, highlighting the particular vulnerability of children in the aftermath of such disasters.
The United Nations' International Organization for Migration estimates that up to 6.8 million people could be impacted by the twin earthquakes. Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, described the situation as "terrifying" but also praised the "international mobilization at its very best."