Harrowing drone footage showcases the extensive devastation in Venezuela following twin earthquakes, as the official death toll has climbed to over 900. The aerial views depict massive residential buildings reduced to rubble, particularly in the port city of La Guaira, one of the areas most severely impacted.
Authorities reported at least 920 fatalities and 3,360 injuries. The United States Geological Survey has issued a stark warning, indicating a 40% probability that the death toll could rise to 10,000 and a 30% chance it may exceed 100,000.
President Trump pledged U.S. support for Venezuela in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. The State Department subsequently announced $150 million in aid. The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is actively deploying resources, including Urban Search and Rescue teams from Los Angeles and Fairfax, Virginia, which are being transported by U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft. Another C-17 is delivering load-movement equipment to Caracas.
U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Ospreys are en route to transport an airfield assessment team to aid impacted airport operations near the earthquake's epicenter. The USS Fort Lauderdale and USS Billings have already arrived in waters near Venezuela to assist. Additionally, three U.S. Army CH-47 Chinooks and crews from Joint Task Force-Bravo are preparing to deploy from Honduras to support the transportation of critical personnel and supplies.
The U.S. Space Force component of SOUTHCOM is providing satellite imagery of the affected areas to disaster relief planners in Venezuela, helping to identify where life-saving and aid efforts are most needed and to prioritize capability requests.
Neighboring countries have also initiated rescue and aid efforts. Colombia is sending humanitarian aid and over 60 rescuers with four dogs. Chile has dispatched a specialized Urban Search and Rescue unit from its fire department. El Salvador has sent approximately 300 rescuers and paramedics, along with 50 metric tons of humanitarian aid. Panama announced it will send a rescue mission, and the Dominican Republic has dispatched a rescue team. Mexico offered 250 military rescue personnel, five rescue dogs, four aircraft, a drone, rescue equipment, and medical supplies. Health workers from Cuba already in Venezuela are fully mobilized to assist.
The powerful twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, struck the nation on Wednesday night, marking the strongest seismic activity in the region in over a century.
