US deploys rescue teams to Venezuela after powerful earthquakes

The United States is sending search and rescue teams to Venezuela in the wake of two significant earthquakes that struck the nation on Wednesday. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the deployment, stating that teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles are being dispatched.

Rubio confirmed he spoke with Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's interim president, earlier in the day. The announcement came during Rubio's official visit to Bahrain. The earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.5 and 7.2, hit a central region of the country, prompting Rodríguez to declare a state of emergency.

Details regarding the extent of damage and potential casualties were not immediately available, but the declaration of a state of emergency indicates the severity of the situation. The U.S. response highlights international cooperation in disaster relief efforts following major seismic events.

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I had the opportunity to speak this morning with Delcy Rodríguez, the interim president. We are already deploying search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles.