Venezuela Hit by Powerful Earthquakes; Dozens Dead, Hundreds Injured

Venezuela is grappling with the aftermath of powerful back-to-back earthquakes that struck Wednesday evening, leaving at least 32 people dead and 700 injured. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez warned that the casualty figures are expected to climb as rescuers search collapsed buildings and emergency crews reach devastated areas.

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Dozens of buildings have collapsed there, about 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of Caracas, and we are currently carrying out intensive rescue operations to save lives.

Rodríguez declared a state of emergency, describing the coastal state of La Guaira as a "disaster zone" and the hardest-hit region. Dozens of buildings collapsed there, prompting intensive rescue operations. The earthquakes, among the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century, were felt as far as Brazil's Amazon.

The nation's main airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport, sustained damage and closed. Subway and natural gas services in Caracas were canceled, and school classes were suspended for several days, with some school buildings designated as shelters and donation centers. Rodríguez urged citizens to remain calm and healthcare professionals to report to hospitals.

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We urge our population to remain calm.

In response to the disaster, the United States has mobilized a disaster assistance team and task force to coordinate aid, including search-and-rescue teams, medical, and humanitarian supplies. Several other countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, and Uruguay, have also offered assistance.

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We urge unity.