President Trump Pledges Immediate U.S. Assistance to Venezuela Following Devastating Earthquakes
By Hotspotnews
Washington — President Donald J. Trump has extended America’s full support to Venezuela after two powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck the country on June 24, 2026, causing widespread destruction, building collapses, and significant loss of life.
In a Truth Social message shared by the White House, President Trump stated: “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 U.S.A. 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!!!”
The earthquakes consisted of a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed approximately 39–40 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 mainshock. Both events struck in Yaracuy state in northern Venezuela at shallow depths (around 10–22 km), producing violent shaking up to Intensity IX on the Mercalli scale. The quakes were felt across much of the country, including strongly in Caracas, as well as in parts of Colombia, Brazil, and the Caribbean.35
Casualties and Damage Statistics
According to interim President Delcy Rodríguez, at least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured nationwide, with the La Guaira region (site of the main international airport) designated a disaster area and additional deaths likely there. Local reports include:
At least three deaths from building collapses in Baruta municipality (Caracas).
Deaths and at least 16 injuries in Chacao municipality, where multiple buildings collapsed.
15 people trapped under rubble in Falcón state, with dozens treated for injuries.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) issued a high-alert assessment, estimating a significant probability of thousands to tens of thousands of fatalities overall. Their PAGER model projects roughly a 37–41% chance of 10,000–100,000 deaths across the two events, with an 11–17% chance the toll could exceed 100,000, alongside widespread economic losses potentially reaching billions of dollars (1–4% of GDP in some projections). These figures reflect the vulnerability of structures in the affected areas and the holiday timing when many people were at home.0
Dozens of buildings collapsed or sustained severe damage in Caracas, particularly in neighborhoods like Altamira, Los Palos Grandes, Pinto Salinas, and southeastern districts where high-rises were heavily impacted. The Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía (La Guaira) was closed due to major damage. Gas supplies were shut off citywide to prevent explosions, the Caracas Metro was suspended, schools ordered closed, and rescue teams continue searching rubble for survivors amid more than 20 recorded aftershocks.36
Response Efforts
Venezuela declared a national state of emergency. Rescue operations are underway in multiple cities, with volunteers and emergency workers pulling people from debris. Communications and internet services have been disrupted, complicating assessments.
President Trump’s offer signals rapid mobilization of U.S. search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid. Other nations, including El Salvador, Brazil, Argentina, and others, have also pledged support.
As recovery efforts intensify, the full scope of the tragedy continues to unfold. The United States remains committed to standing with the Venezuelan people during this crisis.
