Donald Trump rushes to help 'new friends' Venezuela as Britons issued urgent update amid state of emergency

Donald Trump has been "in constant contact" with Venezuela as thousands are feared to have died from two back-to-back earthquakes.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the first tremor registered at 7.2 magnitude and at a depth of 13 kilometres.

Less than a minute later, a larger magnitude 7.5 tremor hit - before nearly two dozen aftershocks were recorded.

President Trump took to social media, announcing the US "stands ready, willing, and able to help", describing the country as their "new and great friends".

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He wrote on Truth Social: "The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths.

"The USA 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!!! President DJT"

Delcy Rodriguez, who took charge of the country after the Trump administration captured her predecessor, dictator Nicolas Maduro, at the start of this year, has thanked the US President.

Writing on X, the interim leader said the Trump administration has been "in constant contact" with the country's authorities.

She said: "[They have been] offering support and solidarity to the people of Venezuela in the face of this tragedy that has plunged us into mourning.

"Venezuela will never forget the helping hand extended to our people during these difficult times."

Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, issued an update on the emergency, claiming: "Venezuela is going to emerge stronger from it, despite the tragedy it's facing right now."

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He added: "They need search and rescue immediately - you've got to get people out of that rubble within 48 hours, or they won't survive."

The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office issued a warning against travelling to the South American destination.

They said: "International airports in Venezuela are temporarily closed following the earthquakes on June 24."

The FCDO advises against all travel to within 50 miles of the border with Colombia, within 25 miles of the border with Brazil and within 25 miles of the border with Guyana.

Interim President Rodriguez declared a state of emergency.

The USGS said: "High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread.

"We have buildings, homes and houses which have collapsed and we are taking care of things with everything we have available in terms of security, civil assistance," Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said on state television.

"The fire department, police all have been activated."

At least 164 people have been confirmed dead so far but the toll is liekly to rise as building rubble is cleared.

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