On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump extended an offer of assistance to Venezuela following two significant earthquakes that struck the northern region of the country in quick succession. He directed all federal agencies to prepare for a swift response.
"The major earthquakes that just impacted the great people of Venezuela are enormous in scale and have resulted in a devastating number of casualties. The United States is ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all our government agencies to gear up for rapid deployment. We will be there for our new great friends. Initial reports are not promising!" Trump stated on Truth Social.
The earthquakes, with magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, were centered near Morón in Carabobo state and Yumare in Yaracuy state, approximately 170 kilometers west of Caracas.
Both quakes were shallow, occurring at depths of 13 and 10 kilometers, respectively, which significantly increased their destructive impact on nearby communities.
Preliminary casualty figures range from 32 confirmed deaths reported by Venezuelan authorities to international estimates exceeding 236 fatalities, with over 2,000 injured.
The U.S. Geological Survey issued a Red Alert, estimating a 42% to 44% chance that the death toll could surpass 10,000.
In Caracas, at least two buildings collapsed in the Chacao municipality, and more than 90 structures suffered damage in Miranda state.
Interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez declared a constitutional state of emergency on national television, closed the Maiquetía International Airport due to severe structural damage, and suspended school classes, the Caracas Metro, and the Valles del Tuy Railway.
Rodríguez publicly responded to Trump's offer via her account on X, expressing gratitude in terms that reflect the new relationship between the two governments.
"We thank the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and his administration, who have been in constant contact with Venezuelan authorities, offering support and solidarity to the people of Venezuela in the face of this tragic event," Rodríguez wrote.
This public exchange between Washington and Caracas would have been unimaginable just six months ago.
On January 3, 2026, a Delta Force operation supported by the CIA captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores at the Venezuelan presidential complex and transported them to New York to face drug trafficking charges. Rodríguez assumed the role of interim president on January 5, 2026, adopting a pragmatic approach toward Washington.
The United States reopened its embassy in Caracas on March 30, 2026, and both countries signed an agreement allowing Washington to trade 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil as part of a three-phase normalization plan.
Trump's reference to Venezuelans as "new great friends" encapsulates this diplomatic shift.
In addition to the United States, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Qatar, China, Brazil, and several Caribbean nations also extended aid to Venezuela following the earthquakes, which were the most devastating the country has experienced in decades.
U.S. Aid and International Response to Venezuela's Earthquakes
What actions has the U.S. taken to assist Venezuela after the earthquakes?
The U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed all federal agencies to prepare for rapid deployment to assist Venezuela in the aftermath of the earthquakes.
How has Venezuela responded to Trump's offer of help?
Interim President Delcy Rodríguez expressed gratitude towards President Trump and his administration for their offer of support and solidarity with Venezuela during this crisis.
What has been the international response to the earthquakes in Venezuela?
Countries like the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Qatar, China, Brazil, and several Caribbean nations have offered assistance to Venezuela following the earthquakes.