politics
Rubio Marks Venezuela National Day, Offers Quake Aid and Calls for U.S.-Aligned Democracy
Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a statement on Sunday joining Venezuelans on their national day while noting U.S. aid after June earthquakes. Newsweek reported the quakes killed nearly 3,000 people and prompted deployment of American rescue teams.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement on Sunday marking Venezuela National Day and the 215th anniversary of the country's declaration of independence from Spain. "On behalf of the United States of America, I join the people of Venezuela as they mark this national day," Rubio said.
He added that the United States holds in its hearts and unites in prayer for Venezuelans affected by recent earthquakes, whose courage reflects the people's resilient spirit.
Newsweek reported that two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on June 24 seconds apart and hit the coastal area of La Guaira north of Caracas hardest. The death toll has risen to nearly 3,000. The Venezuelan government confirmed 2,954 deaths as of Saturday, while unofficial data cited by Reuters estimated more than 41,000 people missing and 16,000 left homeless.
Rubio highlighted the Trump administration's activation of urban search-and-rescue teams from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and City of Miami Department of Fire-Rescue.
He said these efforts demonstrate support for a full recovery. President Donald Trump pledged to be there for Venezuela and immediately sent support for rescue operations after the quakes.
The Department of State deployed a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team and urban search-and-rescue teams to assess needs and provide assistance. The Trump administration has supplied aerial images to help Venezuelan authorities evaluate damage. The U.S.
Agency for International Development was closed nearly a year ago. Rubio stated that amid this difficult time the United States looks forward to continuing work toward a stable, prosperous, and democratic Venezuela aligned with the United States.
