At least 164 people have died and 971 others were injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening. The first quake measured 7.5 in magnitude, followed shortly by a second tremor of 7.2 magnitude, according to Acting President Delcy Rodríguez. The quakes caused widespread destruction in La Guaira state, a coastal port region, collapsing multiple buildings and prompting Rodríguez to declare the area a "disaster zone." Rescue operations continue in the affected zones as emergency teams work to reach trapped survivors.

In a phone interview with state-owned television on Thursday, Rodríguez confirmed the casualty figures and outlined the government's emergency response. Meanwhile, international reactions have begun to emerge. U.S. President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, described the quakes as "massive in scale" and said the United States is prepared to assist, having directed all relevant agencies to stand ready for deployment. He referred to Venezuelans as "new and great friends," signaling a potential shift in tone from previous administrations.

Amy Pope, head of the United Nations migration agency, also responded on X, stating that @UNmigration is coordinating with partners to assess humanitarian needs and provide support. She described the situation as "heartbreaking," noting the loss of lives, injuries, and the broad impact on communities. The agency emphasized the importance of swift international aid to assist those affected.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

The same administration that has long rejected foreign intervention now faces a crisis where external aid is being publicly welcomed by global actors. President Trump's offer of help, framed as support for "new and great friends," contrasts sharply with years of strained U.S.-Venezuela relations. The scale of death and injury in La Guaira exposes the vulnerability of infrastructure in high-risk zones. Any delay in coordinated rescue efforts could increase the final toll.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take is AI-assisted editorial opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →