On a devastating Wednesday evening, Venezuela was hit by two back-to-back powerful earthquakes measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, marking one of the strongest seismic events to strike the South American nation in over a century. The tremors were felt across the entire surrounding region, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake: official casualty reports confirm at least 164 people have been killed, more than 1,000 others have sustained injuries, and dozens more remain trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings as of Thursday. By Thursday morning, Venezuelan emergency response teams were racing against the clock, leveraging every minute of daylight to accelerate search and rescue operations for survivors still buried under destroyed infrastructure. In the hours following the disaster, world leaders and senior officials from across the globe issued statements of solidarity and committed tangible support to Venezuela’s relief and recovery efforts.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared the nation’s condolences via the social platform X, saying, “The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes.” Rubio confirmed that the U.S. was launching an immediate emergency response, noting “the United States is ‘immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela.’” He extended sympathies to all grieving families, injured victims, and praised the on-the-ground rescue crews working around the clock to find survivors.
French President Emmanuel Macron also issued a statement via X, affirming France’s unwavering solidarity with the Venezuelan people. Macron confirmed that a specialized team of 85 search and clearance rescue workers would be deployed to the disaster zone without delay, adding, “France stands ready, alongside its European partners, to provide assistance to the affected populations in response to the needs identified by the Venezuelan authorities.”
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Venezuela through the recovery process. Lula announced he had directed Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to launch an immediate assessment of on-the-ground conditions to determine what forms of aid Brazil can contribute. “I reaffirm our determination to support the government of Acting President Delcy Rodríguez in the recovery of affected areas in this sister nation, whose people have demonstrated great resilience in the face of adversity,” he wrote on X.
At a Thursday press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun extended sincere condolences to the Venezuelan government and all communities impacted by the quakes. “China is willing to provide assistance to Venezuela to the best of its ability, according to Venezuela’s needs,” Guo stated, confirming China’s readiness to contribute to relief efforts upon request.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez shared his message of support via Instagram, writing, “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 also voiced his full solidarity with the Venezuelan people via 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,” he wrote.