Venezuela Expresses Gratitude to India for Earthquake Support
Venezuelan acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his messages of condolence and offers of assistance following two massive earthquakes near Caracas that have left over 30 dead and hundreds injured. The back-to-back tremors, including a 7.5-magnitude mainshock that struck just 40 seconds after a 7.2-magnitude foreshock, have caused widespread destruction and triggered major search and rescue operations.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquakes are the most powerful to hit Venezuela in more than a century. The casualty count is expected to rise as emergency teams continue to sift through rubble. Rodriguez declared a nationwide state of emergency as authorities launched extensive relief efforts across multiple affected regions.
PM Modi's Condolences and India's Assistance Offer
Earlier, PM Modi expressed deep sorrow over the devastation on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "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."
Rodriguez responded warmly, stating: "We warmly welcome the remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed his condolences and the Republic of India's willingness to support relief efforts in the wake of the severe consequences of the earthquakes that struck our country." She highlighted that the solidarity shown by India was consistent with the longstanding cooperation between the peoples of both nations.
International Community Rallies to Support Venezuela
The crisis has prompted a swift wave of international support. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed "heartfelt solidarity" with Venezuela, noting that Italian authorities are monitoring the situation with "deep concern" and are working to "promptly activate every channel of humanitarian aid." US President Donald Trump also offered immediate American assistance, writing on Truth Social that the earthquakes had caused a devastating loss of life and that he had instructed US agencies to prepare for rapid aid deployment if required.
Rodriguez thanked the Trump administration for its "support and solidarity," noting that Washington had "been in constant contact with Venezuelan authorities" throughout the unfolding crisis. The dual earthquakes have caused significant structural damage, collapsing several buildings across the affected areas. Rescue operations are ongoing as Venezuela grapples with the aftermath of its most powerful seismic event in over a century.
