Venezuela Earthquake: PM Modi Offers Assistance as Global Leaders Rally Behind Caracas

Venezuela has received an outpouring of international support after two powerful earthquakes struck the Caracas region, causing widespread damage, triggering rescue operations and prompting governments across the world to offer humanitarian assistance.

The disaster prompted messages of solidarity from leaders across Latin America, North America and beyond, with countries pledging rescue teams, medical personnel, emergency supplies and humanitarian aid.

Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez has thanked world leaders for their support, describing the international response as a reflection of cooperation and solidarity during a time of crisis.

PM Modi offers support, Venezuela welcomes India's solidarity

Among the leaders expressing support was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who conveyed condolences to the Venezuelan government and people and offered assistance.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela."

He added, "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."

Responding to the message, Rodriguez welcomed India's offer of support.

"We warmly welcome the remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed his condolences and the Republic of India's willingness to support relief efforts in the wake of the severe consequences of the earthquakes that struck our country," she said.

Highlighting bilateral ties, Rodriguez added, "The solidarity expressed by India is in keeping with the spirit of cooperation between our peoples in times of difficulty. We acknowledge these expressions of international support and are grateful for the expressions of solidarity we have received."

Latin American nations pledge rescue teams and humanitarian assistance

Mexico was among the first countries to announce concrete assistance.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said, "Our solidarity with the people of Venezuela. The Secretariat of Foreign Affairs has been in contact with the government of the brother country, and I have already instructed the preparation of the necessary aid. For now, they have requested support with specialised personnel in rescue and health. Mexico is always and will be in solidarity."

Rodriguez responded, "I express my gratitude to the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, and to the Government of the United Mexican States for the message of solidarity and the offer of support to the Venezuelan people. Through the Foreign Ministry and the Emergency Response General Staff, the necessary coordinations will be carried out to receive and channel such important assistance. I receive this message with gratitude, and I value the expression of solidarity and cooperation toward the people of Venezuela at this time."

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa also announced humanitarian support, saying, "All my solidarity with the brother people of Venezuela. I have arranged for the immediate sending of humanitarian aid to address this emergency. Ecuador will respond with the speed and commitment that this moment demands because, despite the enormous differences, humanity must always guide the actions of a leader."

Rodriguez replied, "Venezuela thanks President Noboa and the Government of Ecuador for their message of solidarity, as well as for the offer of humanitarian assistance in the face of the tragedy that occurred today. We value the expression of respect and cooperation toward our people in these moments of difficulty. In minutes we will provide a new update on the care and response efforts deployed in response to the seismic events recorded today."

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader revealed that he had spoken directly with Rodriguez.

"I have just spoken with the interim president of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, to express to her, on behalf of the Dominican people and Government, our deepest solidarity in the face of the tragedy caused by the devastating earthquake," he said.

Abinader added, "Tomorrow, in the early hours, specialised teams for search, rescue, and emergency care from our Armed Forces will depart for Venezuela to support the efforts being carried out by the Venezuelan authorities."

Rodriguez responded, "I thank the President of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, for the call and the offer of support to the Venezuelan people in the face of the tragedy caused by the earthquakes that occurred on June 24."

She added, "I deeply value this gesture of solidarity and cooperation, which reflects the ties of respect and friendship between our countries. On behalf of the people of Venezuela, I receive with gratitude this gesture of solidarity."

Brazil, El Salvador and others join relief effort

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he had directed authorities to assess support measures.

"I became aware, with great concern and dismay, of the impacts caused by the earthquake that struck Venezuela this Wednesday (24). I instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assess, together with the Brazilian Embassy in Caracas, the situation in the country and the measures of assistance that Brazil can adopt," Lula said.

He added, "I reaffirm our determination to support the government of Acting President Delcy Rodriguez in the recovery of affected areas of this sister nation, whose people have given proof of great resilience in the face of adversities."

Rodriguez replied, "We receive with deep gratitude the message from President @LulaOficial and the disposition of the Government of Brazil to accompany our people. We value this gesture of solidarity and brotherhood between our peoples, reaffirming the bonds of cooperation and friendship that unite us."

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele announced, "At this moment, we have offered assistance to the Government of Venezuela through our Foreign Ministry."

"300 rescuers and paramedics, along with 50 tons of equipment, medicines, and essential supplies, are ready to depart for Caracas."

Rodriguez responded, "I thank President Nayib Bukele for his offer of support to the people of Venezuela for rescue efforts and primary care in response to the earthquakes that occurred on June 24."

She added, "I have instructed the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry to immediately coordinate the necessary mechanisms with the Salvadoran authorities, through the Coordination Room for Emergency Care, in accordance with the requirements defined by the General Staff that I have activated today. The solidarity between our peoples is an invaluable force in moments like these."

United States and regional governments express solidarity

From the United States, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said, "The US stands with the Venezuelan people in the aftermath of this evening's devastating earthquakes. We're in touch with the authorities and mobilizing assistance. May God bless our Venezuelan friends at this difficult moment. !Fuerza Venezuela! !Estamos con Ustedes!"

US President Donald Trump also offered immediate American assistance.

"The two major earthquakes that just hit the great people of Venezuela are both massive in scale and have left a devastating number of deaths. The U.S.A. stands ready, willing, and able to help! I have instructed all agencies of our government to get ready to move quickly. We will be there for our new and great friends. Early reports are not good!!!" Trump said.

Support also came from Chile, Honduras and Argentina.

Chile's Foreign Ministry said, "The Government of Chile expresses its solidarity with the Government and the people of Venezuela for the earthquake that affected that country. Chile expresses its willingness to provide humanitarian and rescue assistance."

Honduran President Nasry Asfura stated, "With profound feelings of solidarity, we stand alongside the Venezuelan people during this difficult time."

He added, "The people and Government of Honduras send a message of strength to the affected families and communities, and raise their prayers for consolation, hope, and swift recovery."

Argentina's government expressed its "deepest solidarity with the Venezuelan people" and said it was prepared to provide humanitarian assistance if required.

The statement added, "Beyond any differences that may exist between our governments, President Javier G. Milei extends his hand in solidarity to the Venezuelan people in the face of a natural catastrophe that demands a reaction from the entire international community."

Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe Velez also posted a message saying, "All my solidarity with the people of Venezuela."

Emergency response continues

The wave of international support comes as Venezuelan authorities continue rescue and relief operations in affected areas. Rodriguez has declared a state of emergency following the twin earthquakes, while emergency teams remain engaged in search, rescue and recovery efforts.

(With inputs from ANI)