At least 32 people have been killed and more than 700 injured after two catastrophic earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday.
Acting President of Venezuela Delcy RodrÃguez said the
coastal state of La Guaira, north of Caracas, was the worst-hit, with dozens of
buildings collapsing.
Rescue workers are still rummaging through rubble in
Caracas, where trapped residents have reportedly been heard calling for help.
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude,
occurred about a minute apart at 6:04pm local time while many citizens were at
home celebrating a national holiday.
The second quake is said to be the strongest to hit
Venezuela since 1900.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) warned that the
death toll could rise significantly, with estimates suggesting that thousands
may have been affected.
US President Donald Trump was among the first world leaders
to react to the disaster.
Trump said he had directed relevant agencies to prepare for
a swift response.
“The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help,” Trump
wrote on Truth Social.
“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!!!”
Mexico also pledged support, with President Claudia
Sheinbaum directing the country’s foreign ministry to activate cooperation
protocols and offer technical assistance.
“Our solidarity goes out to the people of Venezuela. The
Secretariat of Foreign Affairs has contacted the government of our brother
country and I have already instructed that the necessary aid be prepared. For
now they have requested support with specialized rescue and health personnel.
Mexico has always been and always will be supportive,” Sheinbaum said.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele said his government had
placed rescue resources on standby shortly after images of damaged buildings
emerged from Caracas.
“At this time we have offered aid to the Government of
Venezuela through our foreign ministry. Three hundred rescuers and paramedics,
along with 50 tons of equipment, medicines and essential supplies, are ready to
depart for Caracas,” Bukele said.
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said he had
spoken with RodrÃguez to convey condolences on behalf of the Dominican people
and government.
He added that specialised search, rescue and emergency
response teams from the Dominican Republic’s Armed Forces would be deployed in
Venezuela on Friday to support local authorities in ongoing rescue operations.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, the
injured and all the Venezuelan people in these very difficult hours,” Abinader
said.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa said he had ordered the
immediate deployment of humanitarian assistance.
“I have ordered the immediate dispatch of humanitarian aid
to address this emergency. Ecuador will respond with the speed and commitment
this moment requires because, despite the vast differences, humanity must
always guide the actions of a head of state,” he said.
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