Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. will deploy rescue teams and aid to Venezuela after two earthquakes devastated the country.
"Our hearts are with all those who have lost loved ones, those injured, and the courageous rescue workers working tirelessly in the aftermath," Rubio said in a social media publication.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez said at least 164 people have died and almost 1,000 injured as a result of the earthquakes. It is expected to rise as rescuers continue searching in collapsed buildings.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the temblors had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. Its predictive model has given a 42% chance of at least 10,000 fatalities based on historical averages. The first one had its center less than 18 miles northwest from the town of Montalban and struck at a depth of 8.2 miles. Almost instantly the other, stronger earthquake struck less than four miles north from the initial one.
"This earthquake was the second event in a doublet, this magnitude 7.5 mainshock was preceded just 39 seconds before by a 7.2 foreshock," the USGS said.
Rodriguez noted that the state of La Guaira, located in the country's northern coast, has been hit the hardest.
"Dozens of buildings have collapsed and we are engaged in the arduous task of rescuing the lives that God allows us to save. The state of La Guaira is facing a true tragedy and has become a disaster zone," she said.
CBS News noted that the earthquakes are among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century. Marco Rubio told the outlet that efforts to deploy rescue teams and aid are already underway. Several countries in the region have also offered assistance to the country.
Rodriguez has also asked for health care professionals in the country to report to hospitals and assist people who have been injured. Some schools will be used as shelters and donation centers.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the Altamira neighborhood in Caracas was experiencing "alarming situations" and urged people to remain outside as structures could face further danger.
"We understand that some people may be desperate, but we are acting according to protocols to activate aid and rescue efforts to help those who need it most," Cabello said on state television.
"Be very careful with children and the elderly; call each other and check that no one has been harmed."
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who lives in exile, also reacted to the development. "My heart, my infinite embrace, and my prayers are with every Venezuelan home in these hours of anguish. May strength, serenity, and solidarity prevail among us in the face of this difficult moment," she said in a social media publication.
