Two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 left at least 164 dead and 971 injured. The United States announced search-and-rescue teams, medical resources and humanitarian assistance.
Two major earthquakes struck Venezuela on the night of Wednesday, June 24, and triggered an international emergency response, as families inside and outside the country tried to contact their loved ones.
Venezuelan authorities report at least 164 dead and 971 injured. The earthquakes affected Caracas, La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo and Falcón, with collapsed buildings, damage to basic services and rescue operations underway.
The first quake had a magnitude of 7.2. Less than a minute later, another quake reached a magnitude of 7.5. The United States Geological Survey located the events near Morón and Yumare, in northern Venezuela.
The United States will send rescue teams and medical aid
The United States announced the dispatch of search-and-rescue teams, medical resources, humanitarian supplies and other support for the early days of the emergency.
Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, stated that the assistance is mobilized in coordination with the Venezuelan interim government. U.S. aid adds to offers of support from countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia.
The United States Embassy in Caracas reported that all of its staff were located after the quakes.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also coordinates the rapid deployment of international urban search-and-rescue teams. The UN humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, announced the deployment of a rapid-response team to reinforce the operation in Venezuela.
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