WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) – The U.S. State Department on Monday announced an additional $50 million in aid to Venezuela, pushing total American assistance past $300 million following last week’s devastating twin earthquakes that left more than 1,450 people dead and nearly 50,000

The back-to-back quakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck just 39 seconds apart on June 24 near San Felipe in Yaracuy state, along the boundary of the Caribbean and South American tectonic plates. The tremors were the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century and were felt as far away as Colombia and Aruba.

More than 774 buildings have totally or partially collapsed, with up to 58,000 structures damaged, according to officials. A 4.6 aftershock rattled Caracas on Monday morning, further hindering recovery efforts.

U.S. military personnel are actively involved in the response. Marines and sailors from the USS Fort Lauderdale have delivered aid to La Guaira, while MV-22 Osprey and UH-1Y helicopters are supporting search-and-rescue operations. C-17 and C-130 aircraft are conducting nonstop supply flights.

The official death toll stands at around 1,450, with more than 3,150 injured. Authorities expect the number of fatalities to rise sharply as rescue operations continue.

The Trump administration has described the effort as a “whole-of-government” response, coordinating with humanitarian partners including Samaritan’s Purse, Catholic Relief Services, UNICEF and the International Red Cross. Additional support involves private-sector collaboration, such as with Walmart and the South Florida-based Global Empowerment Mission.

Search-and-rescue teams from U.S. cities including Miami-Dade, Virginia and Los Angeles have joined international efforts on the ground.

The earthquakes have compounded Venezuela’s longstanding challenges, coming amid political transitions and economic difficulties. U.S. officials have emphasized a commitment to sustained support for recovery operations.

Footage from the affected areas shows widespread destruction, with rescue workers continuing to search for survivors under challenging conditions.