SAN FELIPE, Venezuela, June 25 (World Daily Times) — The U.S. Geological Survey said two major earthquakes struck Venezuela 39 seconds apart on Wednesday evening, one measuring 7.2 and the other 7.5, with epicenters near San Felipe and Yumare.
The agency’s PAGER system issued red alerts and projected the possibility of severe casualties and major economic losses. Reports from Caracas and other affected areas described damaged buildings, debris and rescue crews searching through wreckage.
Venezuelan official Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency after the quakes and later said at least 32 people were dead and more than 700 were injured. Officials also said rescue operations were continuing in Caracas and surrounding areas.
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that the earthquakes had left “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. A senior State Department official, Jeremy Lewin, said a disaster assistance team and task force had been established to coordinate search-and-rescue support, medical supplies and other humanitarian aid.
