US Deploys Rescue Teams to Venezuela After Deadly Earthquakes

At least 164 people have died and 971 others were injured after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela's Caribbean coast on Wednesday, according to interim president Delcy Rodríguez. The quakes, of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, occurred just 39 seconds apart, causing widespread building collapses.

US deploys rescue teams

The United States has begun deploying search and rescue teams to assist, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Thursday. Rubio said he had spoken with Rodríguez earlier that day, and that teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles are being sent immediately, with additional resources to follow Source: eldiado. "The immediate need is for search and rescue," Rubio stated, as many people remain trapped under rubble Source: diariolibree. President Donald Trump had earlier ordered agencies to act "with speed" after calling the quake's toll "devastating" Source: portafolioco. The US and Venezuela have maintained close ties since the capture of Nicolás Maduro, according to reports Source: diariolibree.

What's next

Once a full damage assessment is completed, the US will evaluate how to help restore Venezuela's infrastructure and telecommunications network. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue in affected areas.