Venezuela: 235 dead in devastating, back-to-back earthquakes

A Brazilian man and woman were killed in the disaster, Brazil's foreign ministry said on Thursday. A dual Italian-Venezuelan national died after a building collapsed in La Guaira, Italy's foreign ministry said. Two people from China were killed, according to the embassy in Caracas, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported. They include the amphibious transport ship USS Fort Lauderdale and the littoral combat ship USS Billings (LCS 15), as well as C-17 Globemaster and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The US military's Southern Command said its forces would provide support for search-and-rescue teams and "US interagency partners as they assess damage, locate the injured, and deliver critical, life-saving assistance." Washington has also pledged to provide $150 million in aid. Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said the US would provide a "whole-of-government" response to the twin quakes. After Venezuela's powerful earthquakes, rescue efforts begin To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video https://p. dw. com/p/5G5SO Skip next section Interim President Delcy Rodriguez visits earthquake epicenter06/26/2026June 26, 2026Interim President Delcy Rodriguez visits earthquake epicenter Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, has visited La Guaira, a state located near the capital, Caracas, that was among those hardest hit by Wednesday's devastating earthquakes. Like much of the West, Chile did not recognize Maduro as the rightful winner of 2024's presidential elections. We want to help get them out," he said, noting how some of those people could have relatives based in the US. https://p. dw. com/p/5G3l1 Skip next section Germany offers aid after deadly Venezuela quakes06/25/2026June 25, 2026Germany offers aid after deadly Venezuela quakes Germany has offered support to Venezuela after two major earthquakes left over a hundred dead. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin stood ready to assist and expressed sympathy for victims and those who lost their homes. "The news of the terrible earthquake in Venezuela has left us deeply saddened. Germany stands with Venezuela and will provide assistance," Merz said. "Our thoughts are with the victims and those who have lost everything they own. I wish the injured strength and a speedy recovery." Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also pledged swift help. "Our hearts go out to all those who have lost loved ones, those injured and those working tirelessly to rescue survivors,” Wadephul said. “Germany stands ready to support the people of Venezuela." Defense Minister Boris Pistorius had earlier offered up to six A400M transport aircraft.