Wednesday June 24, Venezuela experienced a pair of strong earthquakes off the northern coast, west of Caracas. The first shock was reported around magnitude 7.2, followed by a larger main event about 39 seconds later at roughly magnitude 7.5. These quakes have caused significant damage in several cities.

The United States is mobilizing immediate, life-saving resources as part of a rapid, government-wide response.  In the hours after the earthquakes, President Trump immediately authorized the U.S. government to commit significant financial assistance, deploy search and rescue efforts, and collaborate with the interim Venezuelan authorities to address the acute needs of the Venezuelan people the U.S. State Department said in a media release.