Trump pledges U.S. aid to Venezuela after earthquakes kill hundreds
10 reported
President Donald Trump pledged Wednesday to deploy U.S. resources to earthquake-stricken Venezuela after back-to-back tremors of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck near the country's northern coast, flattening buildings in Caracas and prompting a state of emergency. Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency and reported at least 164 people killed and 971 injured, according to Reuters. The U.S. Geological Survey issued two consecutive red alerts and estimated a 41% probability that fatalities could exceed 10,000 and a 17% chance they could reach 100,000. The State Department mobilized a disaster assistance team and task force to deliver search and rescue teams, medical supplies, and humanitarian resources. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the War Department would play a logistical role as the earthquakes damaged Caracas' airport. Rodriguez thanked the Trump administration for support and solidarity, and noted that China, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Qatar have also sent or prepared aid.
What’s reported
Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck near Venezuela's northern coast.
At least 164 people were killed and 971 were injured, according to Rodriguez via Reuters.
The U.S. Geological Survey estimated a 41% probability of fatalities exceeding 10,000 and a 17% chance of reaching 100,000.
The USGS projected the earthquake could dent Venezuela's GDP by up to 7%.
Trump said in a Truth Social post that he instructed all government agencies to prepare to "move quickly."
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said the U.S. was in touch with Venezuelan authorities.
Senior State Department official Jeremy Lewin said a disaster assistance team and task force have been mobilized.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the War Department would play a logistical role and called the response "big, fast, and effective."
Rodriguez thanked the U.S., Dominican Republic, China, Brazil, and Qatar for aid.
The U.S. has remained Venezuela's largest oil buyer since January, with estimated US-controlled exports surging to $3.7 billion in April from $600 million in January, according to the Council on Foreign Relations.
Key figures
President Donald Trump
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau
Venezuela's acting president Delcy Rodriguez
Senior State Department official Jeremy Lewin
Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Sources: CNBC
