Trump Describes Venezuela Earthquakes as Causing "Horrific" Death Toll

President Donald Trump stated that the two earthquakes which hit Venezuela on Wednesday resulted in a "horrific number of deaths," although he did not provide official casualty figures.

In a post on the Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, "The two large earthquakes that just struck the great people of Venezuela were massive in strength and caused a horrific number of deaths."

He added, "The United States is on alert, willing and able to provide assistance! I have directed all our government agencies to be ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. Initial reports are not good."

According to the US Geological Survey, two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude struck Venezuela on Wednesday. Journalists from Agence France-Presse observed collapsed buildings and scenes of panic in the capital, Caracas.

No official casualty numbers have been released so far. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, and Caracas airport was closed due to significant damage.

The first earthquake, centered 21 kilometers west of the coastal town of Morón, occurred at 22:04 GMT, the US Geological Survey reported. Within a minute, a second quake measuring 7.5 struck a location about 45 kilometers away.

The US Geological Survey described the event as a double earthquake, stating, "This earthquake was the second event in a double quake. The main shock of 7.5 magnitude was preceded by a 7.2 magnitude tremor 39 seconds earlier."

The country has experienced 20 aftershocks since the initial quakes.

The US Geological Survey characterized the incident as a double earthquake and a disaster expected to have severe consequences, noting that "the death toll is likely to be high and the damage widespread."