Two powerful earthquakes, each measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale, hit Venezuela overnight between Wednesday and Thursday. Authorities declared a state of emergency across the country after thousands of buildings collapsed or were damaged.
Officials fear the toll could reach thousands of dead, possibly tens of thousands, and tens of thousands more injured. The quake damage was described as widespread and severe, with the full scale of the disaster still emerging.
US President Donald Trump responded to the catastrophe, saying, "The two major earthquakes that have just struck the wonderful people of Venezuela are enormous in scale and have left behind a devastating number of dead. The US is ready, willing and able to help! I have instructed all of our government agencies to prepare to act quickly. We will be there for our new and good friends. The initial reports are not good."