Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended India’s support to Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck near the country’s capital, Caracas, leaving widespread destruction and prompting fears of a massive death toll.
India joined international relief efforts as authorities in Venezuela continued rescue operations and assessed the scale of the disaster. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that fatalities could range between 10,000 and 100,000, though Venezuelan authorities have not yet released an official casualty count.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said he was “deeply saddened” by the devastation caused by the earthquakes.
“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,” PM Modi said.
Venezuela declares emergency after twin earthquakes
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency after the back-to-back earthquakes struck on Wednesday evening.
Addressing the nation, Rodriguez confirmed that lives had been lost but did not disclose the number of fatalities. She expressed condolences to families who had lost relatives in the disaster.
Emergency teams have been deployed to search for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings and damaged structures, according to CNN.
USGS warns of heavy casualties
The USGS said the first earthquake measured magnitude 7.2 and struck near San Felipe, around 284 kilometres west of Caracas, at 22:04 GMT.
A second quake of magnitude 7.5 followed shortly afterwards near Yumare, approximately 293 kilometres west of the Venezuelan capital.
“High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread,” the USGS said.
The agency’s Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquake Response (PAGER) system estimated that the eventual death toll could fall between 10,000 and 100,000.
According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the earthquake was recorded at a shallow depth of 15 kilometres. The agency measured the event at magnitude 6.8.
US mobilises humanitarian response
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said Washington was prepared to provide immediate assistance to Venezuela.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States had directed government agencies to prepare for a rapid response.
The US State Department has also activated a disaster assistance team and task force to coordinate relief operations. Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance Jeremy Lewin said the United States would send search and rescue teams along with medical and humanitarian supplies to support affected communities.