The United States has announced it is deploying emergency rescue teams and humanitarian aid to Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that left at least 32 people dead and more than 700 injured.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the response was being carried out “immediately” under the direction of President Trump, stating that American teams would assist with search-and-rescue operations and provide medical support.
The twin earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck the same region on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction across parts of the capital and nearby coastal areas. Entire buildings collapsed, key infrastructure was damaged, and Venezuela’s main airport was temporarily shut down.
Emergency crews and civilians continue to search through rubble for survivors, as authorities warn that the death toll may rise. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez said some of the hardest-hit areas, including La Guaira, are still being assessed, with communication and transport routes severely disrupted.
More than 20 aftershocks have been recorded, raising concerns about further collapses and complicating ongoing rescue efforts.
While international support is beginning to arrive, authorities say the priority remains locating survivors and stabilising critical services in the affected regions.