ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed condolences to Venezuela after powerful twin earthquakes killed at least 32 people and injured more than 700, saying Pakistan stood in solidarity with those affected by the disaster.
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck near Venezuela’s capital Caracas on Wednesday, collapsing buildings, damaging critical infrastructure and prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency.
“Deeply saddened by the devastation and loss of life caused by the earthquakes in Venezuela,” Sharif wrote on X.
“On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially the families of the victims. We pray for the injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult and challenging time.”
Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, confirmed the initial number of death toll and injuries in a statement, adding that rescue teams were still assessing conditions in the hardest-hit coastal state of La Guaira.
The twin quakes triggered panic in Caracas, where residents fled into the streets. Authorities closed the country’s main international airport after it sustained serious structural damage, while officials reported multiple aftershocks and warned of continuing risks.
According to the United States Geological Survey, the 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck just 39 seconds after a 7.2-magnitude foreshock in what it described as a rare seismic doublet.
With input from AFP.
