In Venezuela, the death toll from two powerful earthquakes has risen to 235, with more than 1,500 people injured. Rescue teams are searching through the rubble in a race to save lives after the earthquakes struck near the capital yesterday. In Caracas and the nearby coastal city of La Guaira, people could be heard calling for help from beneath the debris of collapsed buildings. The first 7.2-magnitude earthquake was followed seconds later by an even stronger 7.5-magnitude quake. Both occurred at a shallow depth, making the destruction more severe. The country’s Acting President, Delcy Rodríguez, has declared a state of emergency.

 

Several countries have pledged assistance for the rescue efforts. Acting President Rodríguez acknowledged India’s solidarity following the earthquakes, saying it reflects the spirit of cooperation between the people of India and Venezuela in times of difficulty. She welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks expressing condolences and India’s willingness to support relief efforts in the wake of the disaster. Referring to PM Modi’s social media post, Ms Rodríguez expressed gratitude for the international support and solidarity extended to Venezuela.