World leaders offer aid as twin Venezuela earthquakes kill 164

Caracas,UPDATED: Jun 25, 2026 20:26 IST

World leaders on Thursday sent messages of solidarity and offered help after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing at least 164 people, injuring more than 1,000 and leaving many trapped under collapsed buildings.

The 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes hit on Wednesday evening and were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century. The tremors were felt across the region, and Venezuelan officials were using daylight hours to speed up efforts to rescue 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 United States 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, Lula 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."

Chinese 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."

As rescue operations continued in Venezuela, countries across the world responded with condolences and offers of help after one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the country in over a century.

With PTI Inputs

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