Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within 40 seconds of each other late on Wednesday, killing at least 164 and injuring at least 971.

The Details: A 7.5 magnitude quake struck immediately after a 7.2, with the epicenter about 120 miles west of the capital Caracas. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said the earthquake was the strongest to hit the country in over a century.

Death Toll: Many outlets have published live coverage on the earthquake, as it is still a developing story. Around 6 a.m. ET, the official confirmed death toll was 32, though about an hour later it was raised to 164. The New York Post (Right) highlighted that the US Geological Survey (USGS) said it estimates the death toll could realistically be between 10,000 and 100,000.

US Response: President Trump quickly pledged that the US would assist Venezuela in rescue and recovery efforts. Trump wrote on Truth Social at 11:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday, "The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!!" Rodriguez said Trump's administration has been "in constant contact" with them.

Foreign Assistance: In addition to the US, other American countries such as Brazil, El Salvador, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic have already reportedly mobilized teams to assist on the ground. France has also mobilized rescue personnel. Germany and Italy said they are ready to mobilize assistance. Other countries, including China, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Bolivia, Panama, and Mexico, have reportedly offered to help as well.

Context: The earthquake comes after the United States apprehended and arrested Venezuelan head of state President Nicolás Maduro in a January military raid. The country's acting leader, Delcy Rodriguez, who at first took a hostile stance towards the US, has since cooperated with the Trump administration in its efforts to influence the country. CNN (Lean Left) prominently framed the earthquakes as coming "at a dire time for Venezuela, which is deep in political and financial crisis."

Other Quake: A 7.2 magnitude earthquake also struck off the coast of northern Japan late on Wednesday (early Thursday local time), reportedly injuring 10.

This is a developing story and will be updated. Written by the AllSides staff (of humans). Learn more. Support our mission. Suggest an improvement to this summary.