World leaders offer aid after Venezuela quakes kill 164

World leaders have offered solidarity and emergency help to Venezuela after twin earthquakes killed at least 164 people. The international response comes as rescuers race to find survivors amid widespread destruction.

In Short

• The twin quakes measured 7.2 and 7.5, striking Wednesday evening
• At least 164 died, while over 1,000 people were injured
• Daylight rescue operations focused on survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings

World leaders on Thursday expressed solidarity with Venezuela and offered help after two powerful earthquakes killed at least 164 people, injured more than 1,000 and left many trapped under collapsed buildings.

The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck on Wednesday evening and were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century. As rescue efforts continued, officials were using the daylight hours to speed up operations to find people believed to be under the rubble.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X, "The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes." He added that the US is "immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela" and offered condolences to "all those who have lost loved ones, those injured, and the courageous rescue workers working tirelessly in the aftermath."

French President Emmanuel Macron also posted on X, expressing France's solidarity with the Venezuelan people. He said a team of 85 French rescue workers specialising in search and clearance operations is "being deployed immediately" to Venezuela. "France stands ready, alongside its European partners, to provide assistance to the affected populations in response to the needs identified by the Venezuelan authorities," he wrote.

Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva said his country was determined to support Venezuela's recovery efforts. On X, he said he had instructed Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assess the situation in Venezuela "and to evaluate what assistance measures Brazil might adopt." He added, "I reaffirm our determination to support the government of Acting President Delcy Rodrguez in the recovery of affected areas in this sister nation, whose people have demonstrated great resilience in the face of adversity."

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a news conference on Thursday, "China has taken note of the reports concerning Venezuela. We extend our sincere condolences to the Venezuelan government and the affected people." He added that "China is willing to provide assistance to Venezuela to the best of its ability, according to Venezuela's needs."

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Snchez wrote on Instagram, "All the support from me and Spain to the Venezuelan people after the devastating earthquakes of last night. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families." Colombia's President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella said on X, "I stand in full solidarity with the brotherly people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquake. Colombia stands with you during this difficult time with affection, respect, and hope. My prayers are with the victims and their families. God will provide."

With rescue work continuing in the aftermath of one of Venezuela's strongest earthquakes in more than 100 years, messages of support and offers of assistance came in from across the world as the country dealt with the loss of life, injuries and large-scale damage.

With PTI Inputs

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