U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reached out to Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, via phone to convey Washington's backing for the Venezuelan people after powerful earthquakes struck the northern part of the country on Wednesday, June 24.
Rodríguez confirmed the communication through her account on X, quoting Rubio's initial message: "I had a phone call with the U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who expressed his solidarity and support for the Venezuelan people during these challenging times for our nation."
Moments earlier, Rubio had shared a message on his official account extending condolences and announcing the quick deployment of humanitarian aid: "The United States offers its deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes. Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones, the injured, and the courageous rescue workers tirelessly aiding the affected."
The Secretary of State further noted that, under direct orders from President Donald Trump, the State Department would promptly send search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian aid to Venezuela.
Rodríguez publicly thanked the U.S. administration with words that would have been unthinkable under Nicolás Maduro's regime: "We thank President Donald Trump and his administration for maintaining constant contact with Venezuelan authorities, offering support and solidarity to our people amid the tragedy that has struck us. Venezuela will never forget the helping hand extended to our nation during these harsh times."
Diplomatic Relations Shift Amid Crisis
This call occurs within a context of significantly altered bilateral relations. After Maduro's capture in January 2026, Rodríguez took on the interim presidency, adopting a pragmatic approach toward Washington.
The two nations formally restored diplomatic ties in March 2026 and agreed on the trade of 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil. In April 2026, the U.S. lifted sanctions previously imposed on Rodríguez herself.
Details of the Earthquake and International Response
The earthquakes that prompted this diplomatic exchange struck on Wednesday at 6:04 p.m. local time, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, separated by just 39 seconds, with epicenters in the states of Carabobo and Yaracuy.
The official updated toll reports 164 deaths and 971 injuries, although independently unverified sources suggest the figures could be as high as 236 fatalities and over 2,000 injured.
The U.S. Geological Survey issued a maximum Red Alert, estimating a 42% to 44% chance of fatalities exceeding 10,000, with projected economic losses ranging from 1% to 20% of Venezuela's GDP.
President Trump also commented on Truth Social, describing the earthquakes as "massive in scale" and referring to the Venezuelans as "our new and great friends," summarizing the diplomatic shift between the two nations.
Alongside the United States, countries like France, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, China, and Qatar, among others, have offered assistance, while the UN activated a red alert and coordinated international urban search and rescue teams.
Understanding the Diplomatic Shift and Earthquake Impact
How did the U.S. respond to the Venezuelan earthquakes?
The U.S. responded by promptly deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian aid, under direct instructions from President Donald Trump.
What changes have occurred in U.S.-Venezuela relations?
Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez became interim president, leading to restored diplomatic relations and the lifting of certain U.S. sanctions, along with agreements on oil trade.
What was the extent of the earthquake damage in Venezuela?
The earthquakes resulted in significant damage, with official reports citing 164 deaths and 971 injuries, though other sources suggest higher casualties and injuries.