Powerful earthquake strikes Venezuela on evening of 24 June

At least 920 people have died and more than 4300 have been injured in Venezuela as a result of a powerful earthquake. Two series of tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, were recorded on the evening of 24 June. The worst-hit state was La Guaira, where dozens of buildings collapsed. This was reported by teleSUR, a partner of TV BRICS, citing information from the Venezuelan authorities.

The country’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, noted in her address that rescue operations are underway in the disaster zone.

"The government expresses its solidarity and offers its condolences to the affected families," she stated.

Rodriguez also thanked the countries around the world that have offered Venezuela humanitarian aid and support. These include China, Brazil, India, Egypt, the UAE, Argentina, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and countries in the Caribbean, as well as from other regions of the world.

Rodriguez responded warmly to a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who took to social media to express his solidarity with the people of Venezuela and his willingness to provide support for the rescue operations. This was reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.

I am deeply saddened by the destruction caused by the powerful earthquakes in Venezuela. […] On behalf of the people of India, I extend my sincere 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 affected. India stands ready to provide all possible assistance

Narendra Modi

Prime Minister of India

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with the Brazilian Embassy in Caracas, to assess the situation and determine the necessary assistance.

Brazil stands ready to support the government of Delcy Rodriguez in the reconstruction of the affected areas of this brotherly country, whose people have shown resilience in the face of adversity

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

President of Brazil

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela and announced on social media that his government had prepared a team of 300 rescue workers and doctors, as well as 50 tonnes of equipment and medicines, to be sent to provide aid following the powerful earthquake.

The authorities of the Dominican Republic will also send specialised search and rescue teams to deal with the aftermath of the earthquake, said the country’s President, Luis Abinader.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that she had already instructed officials to prepare the necessary aid and that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was in contact with Venezuela.

"At present, Venezuela has requested support in the form of specialist rescue personnel and medical staff. Mexico has always been, and will always be, ready to show solidarity," Sheinbaum wrote on social media.

Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi also responded to the disaster in Venezuela.

"Uruguay expresses its solidarity with the Venezuelan authorities and people. We are closely monitoring developments and reaffirm our readiness to cooperate in any way the Venezuelan government deems necessary," he stated on social media, as reported by teleSUR, a partner of TV BRICS.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram expressing his support for "the friendly Venezuelan people at this difficult time"; the text of the message is available on the Kremlin’s official website.

Dear Ms Rodriguez, accept my deepest condolences regarding the tragic consequences of the devastating earthquake in north-western Venezuela. Please convey my sincere sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, as well as my wishes for a speedy recovery to all those affected by this natural disaster

Vladimir Putin

President of Russia

Cuba’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodriguez, expressed "condolences and solidarity with the government and the brotherly people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following the loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake", and also reported that Cuban medical workers on the ground are fully mobilised and are providing assistance to the affected population. As reported by teleSUR, a partner of TV BRICS.

President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Xi Jinping, sent a message of condolence to Delcy Rodriguez; the text of the message was published by Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I express my deepest condolences to those affected and my sincere sympathy to their families. China will provide assistance to Venezuela in dealing with the aftermath of the natural disaster and in the reconstruction of the affected areas

Xi Jinping

President of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)

The Chinese government and the country’s Red Cross Society will provide Venezuela with emergency humanitarian aid, stated Guo Jiakun, the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Chinese Embassy in Venezuela has already mobilised and coordinated the efforts of local Chinese institutions to assist with clearing rubble and dismantling structures at risk of further collapse.

On the evening of 24 June, doctors, firefighters, representatives of various law enforcement agencies and residents of Caracas took to the streets to help people trapped under the rubble.

Law enforcement agencies and emergency services have set up temporary camps in the affected areas to provide assistance during the emergency, reports teleSUR, a partner of TV BRICS.