US President Donald Trump on Thursday said the United States was prepared to assist Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country, causing widespread damage and raising fears of heavy casualties.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the situation as serious and said federal agencies had been instructed to prepare assistance.
"The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths. The USA stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!!" he said.
Strong earthquakes hit western Venezuela
The earthquakes struck western Venezuela and were felt in several parts of the country, including the capital Caracas. Buildings were damaged in the city, while authorities also shut down the country's main airport following the tremors.
Also Read | Venezuela shaken by strongest earthquakes in decades, casualties feared
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the first earthquake, measuring 7.2 in magnitude, struck near San Felipe, around 284 kilometres west of Caracas. A second and stronger earthquake measuring 7.5 occurred shortly afterwards near Yumare, about 293 kilometres west of the capital.
The USGS estimated that the disaster could result in significant casualties, with early assessments indicating the possibility of extensive damage.
US mobilises emergency assistance
US officials said Washington was coordinating with Venezuelan authorities and preparing relief efforts.
"We're in touch with the authorities and mobilizing assistance," Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on X. He described the earthquakes as "devastating."
The US stands with the Venezuelan people in the aftermath of this evening’s devastating earthquakes. We’re in touch with the authorities and mobilizing assistance. May God bless our Venezuelan friends at this difficult moment. Fuerza Venezuela! Estamos con Ustedes! 🇺🇸🙏🇻🇪
— Christopher Landau (@DeputySecState) June 25, 2026
State Department official Jeremy Lewin said a disaster assistance team and task force had been activated.
"Working with our partners in the interim Venezuelan government, the U.S. will be sending search and rescue teams, medical and humanitarian supplies and other resources in the crucial first days after this tragic natural disaster," he said.
The US embassy in Caracas said all American personnel in the country were safe and accounted for.
Also Read | Is the US coast under tsunami threat after earthquakes in Venezuela and Japan?
Recent months have seen closer engagement between Washington and Venezuela's interim government, including cooperation on energy and investment matters.
FAQs:
What did Trump say about the Venezuela earthquakes?
Trump said early reports were "not good" and offered US assistance.
Is the US sending aid to Venezuela?
US officials said disaster response teams and humanitarian assistance are being mobilised.
