At least 164 people have been killed and over 900 injured as two earthquakes hit Venezuela on Wednesday evening.
Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, in a phone call with state-owned TV on Thursday, said the earthquakes have killed at least 164 people and injured 971.
Mrs Rodríguez said that a 7.5-magnitude earthquake first hit the country, followed by a second 7.2-magnitude earthquake.
The earthquakes collapsed many buildings as they tore through La Guaira state, a port town. Mrs Rodríguez has declared La Guaira a “disaster zone,” while rescue efforts are ongoing in the areas affected by the earthquakes.
In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump of America said, “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 United Nations migration agency chief, Amy Pope, in a post on X on Thursday, said the “@UNmigration is mobilising with partners to assess needs and support those impacted. Swift international support is critical to respond”.
“Heartbreaking news from Venezuela, where two powerful earthquakes struck within moments. Lives lost, many injured, and communities affected,” she said.