Powerful earthquakes devastate Venezuela

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela about 100 miles west of Caracas on Wednesday, killing dozens of people, injuring hundreds and causing widespread damage.

The big picture: The U.S. Geological Survey issued its highest-level alert, signaling the back-to-back magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes were expected to cause extensive casualties and severe economic damage.

• The first earthquake struck near Morón on Venezuela's Caribbean coast at a depth of 13.6 miles. The second quake struck seconds later in the same area at a depth of 6.2 miles.
• Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez thanked President Trump after he offered assistance in a Truth Social post.

Screenshot: President Trump/Truth Social

State of play: Rodríguez said in a video address late Wednesday that at least 32 people had been killed and another 700 were injured in the quakes. Officials said they expected the death toll to rise.

• Officials reported buildings were destroyed or extensively damaged across Caracas and in several Venezuelan states.
• Rodríguez said on social media that a state of emergency had been declared and she urged "all citizens to remain alert, safe, and as calm as possible."

What we're watching: As search and rescue efforts continued into Thursday, U.S. officials had already "mobilized a disaster assistance team and task force to deliver and coordinate critical assistance to the Venezuelan people," according to Jeremy Lewin, under secretary for foreign assistance at the State Department.

• "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," Lewin said on X.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.