Earthquake – India Offers Support After Deadly Venezuela Quakes Leave Widespread Damage
Earthquake – Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed India’s condolences and offered humanitarian assistance to Venezuela after a series of powerful earthquakes caused significant destruction, resulting in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sympathy for the people of Venezuela after two major earthquakes struck the country, leaving at least 32 people dead and nearly 700 others injured. In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister said India stands with Venezuela during this difficult period and is prepared to provide every possible form of assistance if required.
India Extends Condolences and Support
Offering condolences on behalf of the people of India, Modi said he was deeply saddened by the scale of devastation caused by the earthquakes. He extended heartfelt sympathies to the Venezuelan government and the families who lost their loved ones. He also wished a speedy recovery for those receiving medical treatment and reaffirmed India’s readiness to help the Latin American nation with humanitarian support.
Powerful Earthquakes Trigger State of Emergency
The earthquakes struck off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast on Wednesday evening within a very short interval. According to authorities, the first tremor measured 7.2 in magnitude, followed about a minute later by a stronger 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency, warning that the number of casualties could increase as emergency teams continue rescue efforts across damaged areas.
Rescue Operations Continue in Worst-Hit Regions
Among the hardest-hit locations was La Guaira, situated close to the capital, Caracas. Officials reported the collapse of several buildings and confirmed that intensive search-and-rescue operations were underway to locate survivors trapped beneath the debris. Emergency personnel have been deployed across affected regions as authorities work to reach damaged communities and provide immediate assistance.
Infrastructure Suffers Heavy Damage
The earthquakes caused extensive disruption to public infrastructure and transport services. Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas temporarily suspended operations, while metro services and natural gas supplies in the capital were halted as a safety precaution. Schools across several affected states have been closed for the coming days, with some educational buildings being converted into temporary shelters and relief distribution centres for displaced residents.
Seismic Details and Ongoing Risks
The United States Geological Survey initially estimated the first earthquake at magnitude 7.1 before revising it to 7.2. The first tremor occurred west of Morón at an approximate depth of 22 kilometres, while the second, stronger earthquake originated at a shallower depth of around 10 kilometres. Officials in Falcon state reported numerous hospital admissions and confirmed that several people remained trapped following structural collapses.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello urged residents to stay alert, cautioning that aftershocks could further weaken already damaged buildings and increase the risk of additional collapses.
Venezuela Faces One of Its Strongest Recorded Earthquakes
Although Venezuela lies near the boundary of the South American and Caribbean tectonic plates, earthquakes of this magnitude are relatively rare in the country. Authorities described the recent seismic activity as one of the strongest recorded in more than a century, highlighting the exceptional scale of the disaster and the challenges facing emergency responders.
India’s Record of Global Humanitarian Assistance
India has consistently supported countries affected by major natural disasters. In 2025, the government launched Operation Brahma to assist Myanmar following a devastating earthquake by sending rescue teams, medical experts, and relief supplies. Earlier, Operation Dost provided humanitarian aid to Türkiye and Syria after the 2023 earthquakes, while Operation Maitri delivered large-scale rescue and medical assistance to Nepal following the 2015 earthquake. These efforts reflect India’s continued commitment to international disaster relief and humanitarian cooperation