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PM Modi expressed condolences after devastating twin earthquakes hit Venezuela, saying India stands in solidarity with the affected nation and is ready to extend assistance.
PM Modi mourns Venezuela earthquake (Photos: PTI/AFP)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief over the devastation caused by the powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela, extending condolences to the victims and offering India’s assistance as rescue operations continued across the South American nation.
In a post on X, PM Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by the destruction caused by the twin earthquakes and conveyed India’s solidarity with Venezuela during the crisis.
“Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela,” the Prime Minister wrote.
“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,” he mentioned.
“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,” the Prime Minister added.
Deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela.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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2026
TWIN EARTHQUAKES TRIGGER WIDESPREAD DESTRUCTION
According to the Associated Press, two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela within a minute of each other on Wednesday evening, causing widespread damage, collapsing buildings and forcing thousands of residents to flee into the streets.
The US Geological Survey said the first earthquake, initially measured at 7.1 magnitude before being revised to 7.2, struck west of the coastal community of Morón, around 168 kilometres west of Caracas, at a depth of 22 kilometres.
Just a minute later, a stronger 7.5-magnitude quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre located 16 kilometres southwest of Morón.
The tremors were among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century and were felt across much of the country.
Buildings were also evacuated in Brazil’s Amazon region, around 1,700 kilometres from Caracas, while the shaking was reported in parts of neighbouring Colombia.
STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED
AP reported that acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency after the earthquakes damaged several states, although authorities had not released an official toll for casualties or damaged buildings.
Rodríguez said the country’s main airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport, had sustained significant damage, forcing its closure. Classes were also cancelled for several days.
She appealed to healthcare professionals across the country to report to hospitals to assist the injured, while the Education Ministry announced that some schools would serve as temporary shelters and donation centres.
Rodríguez also suspended subway and natural gas services in Caracas and urged citizens to report damage through a government application.
In Falcon state, Governor Víctor Clark said 32 people had been hospitalised, and 15 people remained trapped more than four hours after the earthquakes struck.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said the impact was felt across several states, with the Altamira neighbourhood in Caracas witnessing collapsed homes and buildings.
He urged motorists to give way to ambulances and emergency responders as rescue operations intensified.
Authorities also warned residents to remain outdoors because aftershocks could further weaken already damaged structures.
The powerful tremors caused buildings to sway violently in Caracas, prompting frightened residents to rush outdoors.
Parts of the capital suffered power outages and disruptions to cellphone services, while collapsed walls, debris and toppled utility poles blocked roads.
About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
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