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, and its emergency models warned of a potentially severe disaster as officials reported widespread damage in Caracas.
USGS said the quakes measured 7.5 and 7.2 and were centered near San Felipe and Yumare. The agency’s PAGER system issued red alerts, indicating high casualties and extensive damage were likely and that the impact could be widespread.
Venezuela’s Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency after the quakes and said rescue crews were searching through damaged buildings in Caracas and other areas. She later said at least 32 people had died and more than 700 had been injured.
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. He said he had instructed 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 a disaster assistance team and task force had been set up to coordinate search-and-rescue operations, medical supplies and humanitarian aid.
