Trump Pledges Immediate Aid to Venezuela After Devastating Earthquakes

Thursday 25 June 2026 - 12:21

The United States has pledged urgent humanitarian assistance to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction and a rising death toll.

President Donald Trump said Washington is “ready and able” to provide immediate support, describing the situation as involving “a large number of casualties” and emphasizing that federal agencies have been instructed to prepare rapid deployment efforts.

The announcement follows the earthquakes, which struck within minutes of each other in central Venezuela. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the tremors registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, making them among the strongest seismic events to hit the region in recent years.

Early reports indicate significant damage across multiple cities, including the capital Caracas. At least 32 people have been confirmed dead, while more than 700 others have been injured, with authorities warning that the toll could rise as rescue operations continue.

Structural damage has been reported across residential and commercial buildings, including the partial collapse of infrastructure in several districts. One of the most severe incidents involved the collapse of a high-rise residential building in an upscale neighborhood of the capital.

Transport and essential services have also been severely disrupted. The main international airport near Caracas suspended operations after parts of its structure were damaged, while rail and metro systems were shut down. Power outages and water supply interruptions have been reported in several regions.

In response, Venezuela’s interim leadership declared a nationwide state of emergency and mobilized emergency services to coordinate search and rescue operations. International aid requests have also been issued as local authorities struggle to manage the scale of the disaster.

The US State Department confirmed the formation of an emergency coordination team to work with Venezuelan authorities, focusing on search-and-rescue missions and the delivery of medical and humanitarian assistance.

Officials from the US administration said the deployment may include rescue specialists, medical supplies, and logistical support, depending on conditions on the ground.

The USGS warned that the full extent of the damage remains uncertain, noting that aftershocks and structural failures could further increase casualties in the coming days.

As rescue operations continue, both governments and international agencies are bracing for a potentially higher death toll, while efforts intensify to reach survivors trapped under rubble.