PM Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed India’s support for Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck near the country’s capital, Caracas, causing widespread destruction and raising fears of a heavy death toll.
Authorities in Venezuela have launched large-scale rescue operations as emergency teams search for survivors trapped under collapsed buildings. While officials have confirmed deaths, the exact number of casualties has not yet been announced.
PM Modi offers condolences, assures India’s support
In a post on X, PM Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by the devastation caused by the earthquakes. “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,” PM Modi said.
India joined the international community in expressing solidarity with Venezuela as relief efforts continued across the affected areas.
ALSO READ: Venezuela earthquake LIVE updates: Over 10000 feared dead, death toll may be more than 1 lakh, says USGS
Venezuela declares state of emergency
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez declared a state of emergency after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday evening. Addressing the nation, Rodriguez confirmed that people had died in the disaster but did not reveal the official death toll. She also expressed condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.
According to CNN, emergency response teams have been deployed to search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings and damaged structures.
USGS warns of possible large-scale casualties
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the first earthquake measured magnitude 7.2 and struck near San Felipe, about 284 kilometres west of Caracas, at 22:04 GMT. A second earthquake, measuring magnitude 7.5, followed shortly afterwards near Yumare, around 293 kilometres west of the Venezuelan capital.
The USGS warned that the disaster could result in significant loss of life. “High casualties and extensive damage are probable, and the disaster is likely widespread,” the USGS said.
The agency’s Prompt Assessment of Global Earthquake Response (PAGER) system estimated that the final death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000, although Venezuelan authorities have not yet released official casualty figures. Meanwhile, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 15 kilometres and measured the event at magnitude 6.8.
ALSO READ: Venezuela Earthquake: At least 32 dead, more than 700 injured, state of emergency declared as twin quakes destroy buildings across Caracas
US prepares humanitarian assistance
Trump said the US was ready to provide immediate assistance to Venezuela following the disaster. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Washington had instructed government agencies to prepare for a rapid humanitarian response.
The US State Department has also activated a disaster assistance team and a task force to coordinate relief operations. Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance Jeremy Lewin said the United States would send search and rescue teams, along with medical and humanitarian supplies, to help communities affected by the earthquakes.
First published on: Jun 25, 2026 12:57 PM IST
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