Venezuelans saw buildings crumbling on Wednesday evening when two powerful earthquakes shook the country, leaving at least 32 dead and hundreds injured.
Video footage showed emergency workers scrambling over the pancaked debris of a collapsed building in the capital as night fell, while distraught relatives sought help for loved ones believed to be trapped. Several dazed survivors were taken away, some on stretchers.
The US Geological Survey, using predictive modeling to estimate the death toll, said it would most likely run into the thousands, with a substantial probability of exceeding 10,000.
Meanwhile, countries in Latin America and beyond extended condolences and offers of help.
‘Deeply saddened’
From Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed solidarity with Venezuelans in “ this difficult and challenging time”.
“Deeply saddened by the devastation and loss of life caused by the earthquakes in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Venezuela, especially the families of the victims. We pray for the injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult and challenging time,” he posted on X.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq joined the prime minister in expressing solidarity with those affected, saying: “I’m deeply grieved to learn about the terrible loss of life and devastation caused by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela. My deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families. I also wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”
US ‘willing and able’
US President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that Americal was “willing and able to help”.
“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,” he said.
‘Mexico always stands in solidarity’
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on X that she had “ordered the necessary aid to be prepared.”
“For the time being, they have asked us for support in the form of specialist rescue and medical personnel. Mexico always stands in solidarity and always will,” she wrote.
El Salvador aid ‘ready to leave’
El Salvador President Nayib Bukele wrote on X that “300 rescuers and paramedics, along with 50 tons of equipment, medicines, and basic supplies, are ready to leave for Caracas.”
‘Great concern’
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva posted on X: “I learned, with great concern and dismay, of the impact of the earthquake that struck Venezuela,” said President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
“I reaffirm our determination to support the government of acting President Delcy Rodrguez in the recovery of the affected areas of that sister country, whose people have shown great resilience in the face of adversity.”
Cuba ‘fully mobilised’
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on X, “I express my deepest condolences and solidarity to the government and brother people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for the loss of life and damage caused by the earthquake.
“Cuban health workers there are fully mobilised and providing medical services to the affected population.”
Argentina ‘closely following’
A statement by Argentina’s presidency stated: “The Argentine Republic is closely following the evolution of the situation and expresses its readiness to collaborate with whatever humanitarian assistance may be required, in coordination with the corresponding international organisations.
“Beyond the differences that may exist between our governments, President Javier G. Milei extends his hand in solidarity to the Venezuelan people.”
Uruguay ‘willing to collaborate’
Uruguay President Yamandu Orsi also wrote on X, “Uruguay expresses its solidarity with the Venezuelan authorities and people. We are closely following the evolution of the situation and reiterate our willingness to collaborate in whatever the Venezuelan government deems necessary.”
Chile ‘deplores’ tragedy
The Chilean foreign ministry said the Chilean government “expresses its solidarity with the government and people of Venezuela following the earthquake that struck this afternoon, affecting a large area of that country and causing significant material damage and possible casualties”.
“The Chilean government deplores this tragedy and stands ready to provide humanitarian and rescue assistance should it be required,” it added.
Ecuador guided by ‘humanity’
Ecuador President Daniel Noboa expressed “solidarity with the brother people of Venezuela”.
“I have ordered the immediate dispatch of humanitarian aid to respond to this emergency. Ecuador will respond with the speed and commitment that this moment demands because, despite enormous differences, humanity must always guide a leader’s actions.”
Costa Rica ‘wholeheartedly embraces’
Costa Rica’s presidency said in a statement that the country “wholeheartedly embraces the Venezuelan people at this time of grief following the earthquake that shook their country”.
“Our solidarity lies with every affected family and with those who are working today to save lives and rebuild hope. You are not alone,” the statement said.
Dominican Republic readies teams
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said the military had readied “specialised search, rescue, and emergency response teams” to support the Venezuelan authorities.
Spain’s ‘full support’
Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, “We offer our full support to the Venezuelan people following tonight’s devastating earthquakes. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
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