The U.S. offers humanitarian assistance as rescue efforts continue and casualty estimates rise.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump pledged rapid U.S. assistance to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country’s Caribbean coast Wednesday evening, leaving widespread destruction and raising fears that the death toll could climb exponentially as search and rescue operations continue.
The earthquakes struck near Morón, with an initial magnitude 7.2 tremor followed just 39 seconds later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 quake. The back-to-back earthquakes caused catastrophic damage across Caracas, La Guaira, Miranda, and surrounding coastal communities.
Officials reported collapsed high-rises, damaged highways, disrupted rail and metro systems, and the closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport.
Trump said the United States stands “ready, willing, and able to help” Venezuela respond to the disaster. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States is prepared to provide humanitarian assistance, emergency supplies, medical support, and other recovery resources.
Casualty Fears Continue to Grow
Venezuelan authorities said at least 164 people have been confirmed dead and nearly 1,000 others were injured. Thousands remain unaccounted for as emergency crews continue searching collapsed buildings throughout the hardest-hit regions.
Scientists and emergency officials cautioned that the confirmed death toll is expected to rise substantially as rescue teams reach isolated communities.
USGS Fatality Projections
Early modeling from the U.S. Geological Survey points to the potential for a catastrophic loss of life. Initial estimates place the most likely death toll between 10,000 and 100,000 people, driven by powerful ground shaking, dense population centers, and the prevalence of vulnerable masonry construction.
The outlook could worsen. According to the USGS’s preliminary projections, there is a 14% chance the final death toll could climb into the hundreds of thousands if the full extent of the destruction exceeds current estimates.
Current USGS projections include:
- Approximately a 30% chance fatalities exceed 100,000 people.
- Roughly a 37% to 44% probability the final death toll falls between 10,000 and 100,000.
- Additional modeling indicates a smaller probability that fatalities could climb even higher.
Officials emphasized that these are predictive models — not confirmed casualty figures — and actual totals will depend on conditions in areas that remain inaccessible.
In Caracas alone, numerous multi-story buildings collapsed, while thousands of people were reported missing within hours of the disaster.
Humanitarian Aid Despite Political Differences
The American offer of assistance comes despite months of political tension between Washington and Caracas.
The White House framed the response as a humanitarian mission focused on saving lives and assisting recovery efforts rather than politics.
U.S. officials said aid could include:
- Search and rescue teams
- Medical personnel
- Emergency food and water
- Temporary shelter supplies
- Logistical support
Spain, France, and several other countries also announced plans to assist Venezuela as international relief efforts begin.
One of South America’s Worst Earthquake Disasters?
If casualty projections prove accurate, the disaster could rank among the deadliest earthquakes in South American history.
The region’s deadliest modern earthquake remains Peru’s 1970 Ancash earthquake, which killed an estimated 66,000 to 70,000 people after triggering a massive landslide. Chile’s 1960 Valdivia earthquake — the strongest ever recorded at magnitude 9.5 — claimed roughly 5,000 lives despite its unprecedented strength.
Officials warned it will likely take days before the true scope of the disaster becomes clear.
State of Emergency Declared
Interim leader Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency and ordered emergency resources to the country’s hardest-hit regions.
More than 30 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial earthquakes, keeping many residents outdoors as officials warn additional seismic activity remains possible.
Hospitals continue treating hundreds of injured survivors while emergency shelters house thousands displaced by the disaster.
Authorities said assessments of damaged infrastructure — including roads, bridges, airports, and public transportation systems — remain ongoing, with reconstruction expected to take months or longer.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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