Death toll in Venezuela ’horrific’: Trump

The United States has announced its support for Venezuela, which has been devastated by a devastating earthquake. Although the actual death toll is not yet known, US President Donald Trump has warned of a 'horrific' number of deaths. At the same time, Washington has announced the dispatch of rescue teams, medical supplies and humanitarian aid. The tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, are threatening a major humanitarian disaster in the country.

According to the BBC, President Donald Trump has expressed concern about the huge loss of life in the two powerful earthquakes that hit Venezuela. In a post on his social media account Truth Social, he said, 'The two major earthquakes that hit the people of Venezuela were both very powerful and caused a terrible number of deaths.'

He also said, 'The United States is ready, willing and able to help.' Trump said that he has ordered all agencies of the US government to be ready to take rapid action. In his words, ‘We will stand by our new and great friends. The initial reports are not good.’

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States is immediately sending search and rescue teams, medical supplies and humanitarian aid to Venezuela. In a post on X, he said, ‘Our condolences to all those who have lost loved ones, who have been injured and who are tirelessly continuing the rescue work.’

Earlier, his deputy Christopher Landau said that the United States is in contact with the Venezuelan authorities and is preparing assistance operations.

On the other hand, Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez thanked President Trump in a message on social media. In a statement published on Facebook, she said that Trump is in regular contact with the Venezuelan authorities and the US government has expressed support and solidarity with Venezuela.

Rodriguez also said that she has also received messages of support from leaders of various countries. He also thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chilean President José Antonio Castro for their help.

Delcy Rodriguez said at least 32 people have been killed and 700 injured so far. Buildings have collapsed in various areas, many people are trapped and authorities have temporarily shut off gas supplies to prevent possible accidents. She described the situation as a “real tragedy.”

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has expressed fears that the death toll from two powerful earthquakes that hit Venezuela could be between 10,000 and 100,000.

The USGS said that a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck near San Felipe, about 284 kilometers west of the capital Caracas, at around 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday (June 24). It was followed by a stronger 7.5-magnitude earthquake near Yumar, about 293 kilometers west of the capital. The agency said, “There is a risk of widespread loss of life and major damage.” And the impact of this terrible disaster could spread over a wide area.’

According to the USGS, the death toll is 44 percent likely to exceed 10,000. And the risk is 30 percent that more than 100,000 people could die.

There is also a significant risk of landslides and soil liquefaction. Basically, the situation that occurs when loose soil layers behave like liquids during an earthquake is called liquefaction. This can cause damage similar to landslides.