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President Donald Trump said late Wednesday that a powerful earthquake that struck Venezuela had caused what he described as a “horrendous death toll” as officials continued to assess the extent of the disaster.
Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, later said that at least 32 people died and more than 700 were injured in the earthquake, setting the first death toll in the country.
Trump’s comments come after a series of earthquakes struck Venezuela early Wednesday, causing widespread damage, including in the capital Caracas, where buildings were damaged, and rescue workers searched through the rubble.
In the book Truth Social, Trump said two “major” earthquakes caused extensive damage.
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First responders attend a damaged building in Los Palos Grandes, Caracas, after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Venezuela and the Caribbean on June 24, 2026. (Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)
“The two major earthquakes that have recently struck large parts of Venezuela are massive and have left a large number of dead,” Trump wrote.
Trump said the United States is willing to help with an ongoing response.
“The USA is ready, willing and able to help!” Trump said. “I have ordered all the agencies of our government to be ready to leave immediately. We will be there for our new and old friends.”
Trump added that initial reports from Venezuela were “not good.”
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Rescue workers search through the rubble after an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Javier Campos)
According to the US Geological Survey, the first 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck at 6:04 pm ET, with its epicenter about 15 miles east-northeast of San Felipe.
39 seconds later, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck about 14 miles southeast of Yumare.
“High risks and significant damage are possible, and the disaster is likely to be widespread,” the USGS said in a rare red statement.
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Rescuers search for victims in a collapsed building following the earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. (Manaure Quintero/AFP via Getty Images)
Officials said the earthquake was one of the most powerful to hit Venezuela in more than a century.
Rodríguez declared a state of emergency on Wednesday after the earthquake, which was followed by about a dozen aftershocks.
In a televised address later that day, Rodríguez urged Venezuelans to calm down.
“We urge our people to calm down,” said Rodríguez. “We call for unity.”
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On Thursday, Rodríguez announced that at least 32 people had died and more than 700 others were injured in the earthquake.
“We urge our people to calm down,” said Rodríguez. “We call for unity.”
US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau wrote in X that US officials were in contact with Venezuelan authorities and were working to bring aid to the South American nation.
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An ambulance drives down the street in the Parque Central urban development in Caracas, Venezuela, after a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the region on June 24, 2026. (Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)
“The US stands with the people of Venezuela after last night’s devastating earthquake,” he wrote. “We are in contact with the authorities and to mobilize assistance.”
The State Department’s Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs said it was tracking the aftermath of the powerful earthquake.
“The US government is closely monitoring the effects of the massive earthquake in Venezuela,” the statement said.
Emergency workers work at the site of a collapsed building after an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, on June 24, 2026. (REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria)
“We offer our condolences to the victims and are committed to supporting the Venezuelan people at this difficult time,” the statement continued.
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The office also urged American citizens in Venezuela to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and monitor embassy updates.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
