US says it is mobilizing assistance for Venezuela after earthquakes

WASHINGTON: ​The U.S. said late on Wednesday it was ​in touch with Venezuelan authorities following strong earthquakes and was mobilizing assistance for the South American nation.

"We're in touch with the authorities ‌and mobilizing assistance," ⁠Deputy ⁠Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on X. He said the ​earthquakes were "devastating."

Also read: Buildings collapse as twin magnitude 7 earthquakes rock Venezuela, 'high casualties' likely




Strong earthquakes struck west of Venezuela's capital on Wednesday afternoon, toppling buildings in Caracas, trapping people in the rubble and prompting scientists to warn of potentially heavy casualties and widespread destruction across the country.

U.S. State ⁠Department official ‌Jeremy Lewin said on X that the ​department had ​mobilized a disaster assistance team and ⁠task force to deliver and coordinate critical assistance ​to Venezuelans.

"Working with our partners in the interim ​Venezuelan government, the U.S. will be sending search and rescue teams, medical and humanitarian supplies and other resources in the crucial first days after this tragic natural disaster," he added.

The U.S. embassy in Caracas reported that ‌all American personnel were accounted for.

Ties between the U.S. and Venezuela have warmed in recent months ​after American ​forces seized ⁠the country's then-President Nicolas Maduro in a deadly raid on the capital in January.

President Donald Trump's administration has engaged with ​an interim government led by former Maduro ally Delcy Rodriguez, including on an agreement for the U.S. to sell Venezuelan oil, and it has issued sanctions waivers to encourage American investment.