World leaders responded Thursday with expressions of solidarity and pledges of assistance following two devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela the previous evening, claiming at least 164 lives, injuring over 1,000 people, and leaving many others trapped under rubble.
The two quakes — measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude — rank among the most powerful to hit Venezuela in over a century. The tremors were strong enough to be felt across the surrounding region.
Venezuelan officials worked urgently to maximize daylight hours in their push to locate and rescue those believed to still be buried beneath collapsed structures.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted a message on social platform X, stating, “The United States extends our deepest condolences to the people of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes.” He announced that the U.S. is “immediately deploying search and rescue teams, medical resources, and humanitarian assistance to Venezuela,” and extended sympathy 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 used platform X to express France’s solidarity with the Venezuelan people, announcing that a team of 85 French rescue specialists focused on search and clearance operations is “being deployed immediately” to the country. “France stands ready, alongside its European partners, to provide assistance to the affected populations in response to the needs identified by the Venezuelan authorities,” Macron wrote.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva shared his country’s “determination” to back Venezuela’s recovery. Writing on X, Lula said he directed Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assess conditions 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 Rodríguez in the recovery of affected areas in this sister nation, whose people have demonstrated great resilience in the face of adversity.”
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed the disaster at a Thursday news conference, saying, “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 Sánchez shared his support on 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 leader also voiced support on X, writing, “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.”
