Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread devastation and leading to reports of a significant number of deaths and injuries.
According to official reports, at least 32 people were killed and more than 700 were injured in the earthquakes, which were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in over a century.
The first earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.2, struck at 6:04 p.m. ET, followed 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 quake.
A United States Geological Survey (USGS) statement warned of probable high casualties and extensive damage, describing the disaster as widespread.
The interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, declared a state of emergency and urged the population to remain calm and unite in the face of the disaster.
U.S. officials, including Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and the State Department's Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, expressed condolences to the victims and pledged support to the people of Venezuela.
The U.S. Government is closely monitoring the situation and has offered to provide assistance to the affected areas.
A rescue effort is underway, with crews searching through rubble and damaged buildings in the capital of Caracas and other affected areas.
The full extent of the damage and the number of casualties is still being assessed, but officials have confirmed that the earthquakes have left a devastating impact on the country.
The United States has expressed its readiness to assist with the ongoing response, with President Trump saying that the U.S. stands ready, willing, and able to help.
The situation in Venezuela remains uncertain, but it is clear that the earthquakes have had a devastating impact on the country and its people.
