Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the devastation caused by a series of powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela, offering condolences to the victims and assuring India’s support during the crisis.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, “Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela. On behalf of the people of India, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially to the families who have lost their loved ones. We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult time. India stands ready to extend all possible assistance.”
Two powerful earthquakes struck western Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings and triggering rescue operations across several regions of the country.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck approximately 160 kilometres west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor. The earthquakes sent shockwaves across large parts of the South American nation, including the capital city.
The USGS warned that the disaster could result in extensive damage and significant casualties, initially estimating that the death toll could potentially range from thousands to tens of thousands.
Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodríguez announced that a state of emergency would be declared and said the government would seek assistance from international organisations to support relief and recovery efforts.
“We extend our condolences to those who have unfortunately suffered the loss of a family member,” Rodríguez said in a national address, while noting that assessments of casualties and damage were still underway.
Emergency response teams were deployed across affected areas as reports emerged of collapsed residential and commercial buildings, people trapped under debris and growing numbers of injured residents.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said authorities were mobilising all available resources for rescue and relief operations.
“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 and civil assistance,” he said on state television.
Television footage and videos circulating on social media showed rescue workers searching through the ruins of collapsed structures in Caracas, while anxious relatives gathered near disaster sites awaiting news of missing family members.
International assistance efforts also began to take shape. A senior U.S. State Department official, Jeremy Lewin, announced that the United States had mobilised a disaster assistance team and emergency task force to coordinate humanitarian support.
According to Lewin, the United States plans to deploy search-and-rescue teams, medical supplies, humanitarian aid and other critical resources to assist Venezuelan authorities in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
(With Reuters inputs)
