Venezuela Earthquake Disaster: Trump Pledges Immediate US Support Amid Fears of Massive Casualties

US President Donald Trump has offered immediate American assistance to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country, causing widespread destruction and raising fears of a catastrophic death toll. While Venezuelan authorities have confirmed fatalities, official casualty figures remain unavailable, even as emergency response efforts continue across affected regions.

USGS Warns Death Toll Could Reach 100,000

The concern over the scale of the disaster intensified after the US Geological Survey's (USGS) Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquake Response (PAGER) system projected that fatalities could range between 10,000 and 100,000 people.

According to Al Jazeera, PAGER rapidly assesses earthquake impacts by analysing factors such as magnitude, depth, location, population density, historical seismic activity and building infrastructure.

Explaining the methodology, Vashan Wright, a geophysicist at the University of California, San Diego, said, "Essentially, what it does is takes all known knowledge about the magnitude, depth, location, population density, historical earthquakes, and building inventory... and makes a prediction for what might be expected."

He further noted that, in many cases, the PAGER prediction "is quite close" to the eventual death toll.

The USGS said, "High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread."

Trump Offers Immediate Assistance as US Mobilises Relief Efforts

Responding to the disaster, Trump announced that the United States was prepared to assist Venezuela and had directed federal agencies to prepare for a rapid response.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, "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. The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!!"

The US has already begun coordinating relief operations. Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance Jeremy Lewin said a disaster assistance team and task force have been activated to support rescue and humanitarian efforts.

In a post on X, Lewin stated, "The @StateDept has already mobilized a disaster assistance team and task force to deliver and coordinate critical assistance to the Venezuelan people. 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."

According to CNN, emergency teams have been deployed to search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings and damaged structures.

Twin Quakes Strike Near Caracas, Authorities Confirm Fatalities

The earthquakes struck western Venezuela on Wednesday evening, shaking the capital Caracas and causing buildings to collapse.

According to the USGS, the first earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.2, struck near San Felipe, approximately 284 kilometres west of Caracas, at 22:04 GMT. It was followed shortly afterwards by a magnitude 7.5 earthquake near Yumare, about 293 kilometres west of the capital.

The National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported the earthquake at a shallow depth of 15 kilometres.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed that people had been killed in the disaster but did not provide an official casualty count.

In a post on X, Rodriguez said, "Attention: shortly I will address Venezuelans to report on the situation following the strong earthquake that has affected our country."

Authorities have so far released limited information on casualties and damage, while rescue workers continue efforts to reach affected communities.

(With inputs from ANI)