MIAMI – The Secretary of State of the United States, Marco Rubio, expressed his condolences to the Venezuelan people this Thursday for the victims of the two earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 registered in the north of the Caribbean country and announced the immediate deployment of humanitarian aid, search and rescue teams and medical resources to address the emergency.
Through a statement released by the State Department, Rubio indicated that Washington accompanies the Venezuelans affected by the natural disaster.
“The United States expresses its deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela after the devastating earthquakes. Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, with the injured and with the brave rescue teams who work tirelessly after the tragedy,” he said.
Humanitarian aid and rescue teams
The head of US diplomacy reported that, on instructions from President Donald Trump, the State Department activated an emergency response to support the authorities and organizations involved in caring for the victims.
“The United States stands with the Venezuelan people in these difficult times and, at the direction of President Trump, the State Department is immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela,” the statement added.
So far, Washington has not specified the number of specialists or the total volume of aid that will be sent to the South American country. However, the US administration indicated that assistance will be coordinated with the competent authorities and emergency teams deployed in the affected areas.
Balance of the emergency
Rubio’s announcement came as rescue operations and damage assessment continue in several Venezuelan regions. According to official figures released by Governor Delcy Rodríguez, the earthquakes left at least 164 dead and more than 1,000 injured.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the emergency was marked by two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 recorded a few seconds apart in the Yaracuy state. The movements were perceived in a large part of Venezuela and in several Caribbean countries, while authorities continue the search for survivors and care for those affected.
