Back-to-Back Quakes Rattle Venezuela: What to Know

Powerful earthquakes devastate Venezuela

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela about 100 miles west of Caracas on Wednesday, killing dozens of people, injuring hundreds and causing widespread damage.The big picture: The U.S. Geological Survey issued its highest-level alert, signaling the back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes were expected to cause extensive casualties and severe economic damage.The first earthquake struck near Morón on Venezuela's Caribbean coast at a depth of 13.6 miles. The second quake struck seconds later in the same area at a depth of 6.2 miles.Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez thanked President Trump after he offered assistance in a Truth Social post. Screenshot: President Trump/Truth SocialState of play: Rodríguez said in a video address late Wednesday that at least 32 people had been killed and another 700 were injured in the quakes. Officials said they expected the death toll to rise.Officials reported buildings were destroyed or extensively damaged across Caracas and in several Venezuelan states.Rodríguez said on social media that a state of emergency had been declared and she urged "all citizens to remain alert, safe, and as calm as possible."What we're watching: As search and rescue efforts continued into Thursday, U.S. officials had already "mobilized a disaster assistance team and task force to deliver and coordinate critical assistance to the Venezuelan people," according to Jeremy Lewin, under secretary for foreign assistance at the State Department."Working with our partners in the interim Venezuelan government, the U.S. will be sending search and rescue teams, medical and humanitarian supplies and other resources in the crucial first days after this tragic natural disaster," Lewin said on X.Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.

Trump offers aid after ‘massive’ Venezuela earthquakes: ‘Early reports are not good’

President Trump late Wednesday offered assistance to Venezuela after two earthquakes hit the South American country. “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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help!”…

Back-to-back powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela, causing widespread damage

“We urge our population to remain calm,” Rodríguez said. “We urge unity.”

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Powerful earthquakes rock Venezuela as death toll reaches 164 | First Thing

Buildings collapse after twin 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes. Plus, why apartment renters are facing a rising tide of feesDon’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up hereGood morning.Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, has declared a state of emergency after the country was struck by two powerful earthquakes, causing dozens of buildings to collapse. At least 164 people were killed and a further 971 injured. Experts warned the death toll was likely to rise.What do we know? The US Geological Survey said Venezuela had been hit by a magnitude 7.5 “mainshock” and a 7.2 “foreshock” 39 seconds earlier. “High casualties and extensive damage ⁠are probable and the disaster is likely widespread,” ⁠it.How does the damage look on the ground? Rodríguez, who confirmed the death toll, said the airport had been closed after sustaining “severe damage” and that metro and rail services had been suspended. A Guardian reporter saw at least three buildings that had collapsed in Altamira, an affluent district in Caracas that is home to many foreign embassies, after the quakes struck shortly after 6pm on Wednesday.This is what the company said: Greystar told the Guardian it disagreed with the allegations in the court actions and was “actively defending” the cases. In various court filings, the company has called tenants’ legal complaints factually deficient, implausible and “futile”.In other housing news: On Wednesday, Donald Trump abruptly cancelled his plan to sign a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering the cost of housing, holding the bill – which passed the House and Senate – hostage until Congress passes the Save America Act, which would impose new identification requirements on voters and curtail mail-in voting. Continue reading...

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Venezuela Devastated By Back-To-Back Earthquakes, Trump Takes Action

Twin earthquakes rocked Venezuela on Wednesday, including a 7.5 magnitude quake whose epicenter hit west of Caracas just 40 seconds after a 7.2 magnitude quake struck nearby. At least 164 people have been killed and nearly 1,000 more have been wounded from the back-to-back earthquakes that crumbled buildings and devastated city streets, according to Venezuela’s ...

Back-to-Back Major Earthquakes in Venezuela: Severe Damage, Many Casualties Likely