Trump says Venezuela earthquakes left 'devastating number of deaths' as US readies aid

close Video Secretary Rubio details US aid to Venezuela after earthquakes Secretary Rubio delivers remarks from Manama, Bahrain, detailing the U. S. government's immediate response and long-term aid plan for Venezuela after back-to-back earthquakes. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! President Donald Trump said late Wednesday that two powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela had caused what he described as "a devastating number of deaths" as officials continued assessing the extent of the disaster. Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez later said at least 164 people were killed and more than 971 were injured in the earthquakes. Trump's comments came after back-to-back earthquakes rocked Venezuela earlier Wednesday, causing widespread damage, including in the capital of Caracas, where buildings were damaged, and rescue crews searched through rubble. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the pair of "massive" earthquakes had caused widespread devastation. PLAYERS, FANS FLEE STADIUM AS POWERFUL EARTHQUAKES STRIKE DURING VENEZUELA BASEBALL GAME First responders attend a damaged building in Los Palos Grandes, Caracas, after a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck Venezuela and the Caribbean on June 24, 2026. (Jesus Vargas/) "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," Trump wrote. Trump said the United States was prepared to assist with the ongoing response. "The U. A. stands ready, willing, and able to help!" Trump said. "I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends." Trump added that early reports from Venezuela were "not good." US RENEWS 'DO NOT TRAVEL' ALERT OVER TERRORISM, KIDNAPPING AMID TRUMP NARCO-TERROR FIGHT Rescue workers search through the rubble after an earthquake in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Javier Campos) According to the U. Geological Survey, an initial magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck at p. m. ET, with its epicenter about 15 miles east-northeast of San Felipe. Just 39 seconds later, a magnitude 7.5 quake struck with its epicenter about 14 miles southeast of Yumare. "High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread," the USGS said in a rare red alert statement. TRUMP ISSUES DIRECT WARNING TO VENEZUELA'S NEW LEADER DELCY RODRÍGUEZ FOLLOWING MADURO CAPTURE Rescuers search for victims in a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. (Manaure Quintero / AFP via ) Officials said the earthquakes were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century.