The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has expressed deep solidarity with the people and government of Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that struck the country’s northern region, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 others injured.
The message of support was conveyed on Thursday by the UN spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, during a press briefing at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where he outlined the organisation’s response to the unfolding humanitarian situation.
According to Dujarric, the UN chief extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the disaster and wished those injured a speedy and full recovery.
He also reaffirmed the United Nations’ solidarity with the Venezuelan people as emergency responders continue rescue operations and assess the full scale of the destruction caused by the natural disaster.
The twin earthquakes struck late Wednesday, less than one minute apart, sending shockwaves across northern Venezuela and causing widespread panic as buildings shook violently and residents fled into the streets.
Authorities have confirmed that at least 164 people lost their lives in the disaster, while 971 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Rescue teams remain on the ground searching through damaged structures amid fears that the death toll could rise as more information emerges from the affected communities.
Officials noted that the full extent of the destruction remains unclear, particularly in La Guaira State, which is believed to be among the worst-hit areas.
Communication challenges and damaged infrastructure have slowed efforts to obtain comprehensive reports from some affected locations.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the first earthquake measured 7.2 on the Richter Scale and had its epicentre near the city of San Felipe, a major urban centre with an estimated population of about 220,000 people.
Less than a minute later, a second and even stronger earthquake measuring 7.5 magnitude struck the same general region, triggering additional structural damage and complicating rescue operations already underway.
Seismologists have described the second earthquake as the most powerful tremor to hit Venezuela in more than 125 years, raising concerns about extensive damage to homes, public infrastructure and essential services across several communities.
The powerful back-to-back earthquakes reportedly caused buildings to collapse, disrupted electricity and telecommunications in some areas and forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes as aftershocks continued to rattle affected communities.
Emergency workers, civil defence officials and volunteers have since been deployed to search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings while providing medical assistance, temporary shelter and other humanitarian support to displaced families.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General, Dujarric said the United Nations remains closely monitoring developments and is prepared to support humanitarian efforts as assessments of the disaster continue.
He noted that UN agencies are working alongside national authorities and humanitarian partners to evaluate urgent needs and determine the type of assistance that may be required to support those affected by the devastating earthquakes.
The disaster has drawn sympathy from the international community, with governments and humanitarian organisations expressing condolences and pledging support for Venezuela as it confronts one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history.
Experts have warned that in the aftermath of major earthquakes, attention must also focus on secondary risks such as landslides, damaged infrastructure, shortages of essential supplies and the potential displacement of thousands of residents.
As rescue operations continue, authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant, follow official safety advisories and cooperate with emergency personnel while damage assessments and recovery efforts progress.
The United Nations reiterated its commitment to standing with Venezuela during the difficult period, expressing hope that coordinated national and international efforts would help provide relief to affected communities and support the country’s recovery from the devastating earthquakes.
