Twin Earthquakes Devastate Venezuela as Nation Struggles Amid Political Upheaval

Pakistan conveys condolences to Venezuela after disaster

Web Desk

CARACAS: Venezuela has been struck by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 700, while rescue teams race against time to search for survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Pakistan on Thursday expressed grief and solidarity with Venezuela after powerful earthquakes struck the South American country, causing loss of life, injuries and widespread devastation.

The twin tremors, among the strongest to hit the South American country in more than a century, caused widespread destruction in Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira, where authorities described the situation as a "true tragedy". Dozens of buildings were reduced to rubble, major transport links were disrupted, and thousands of residents were left without electricity.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez declared a nationwide state of emergency and warned that the casualty toll could rise significantly as rescue operations continue. More than 6,000 people have reportedly been listed as missing, while schools across the country have been closed, with some converted into emergency shelters for displaced families.

The Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas sustained damage and temporarily suspended operations, prompting several regional airlines to cancel or reschedule flights to the Venezuelan capital. International aid offers have poured in, with Spain, Italy, and the United States expressing solidarity and readiness to provide humanitarian assistance. The US government said it had activated disaster-response teams and remained in contact with Venezuelan authorities regarding relief efforts.

Pakistan conveys condolences

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his condolences to the government and people of Venezuela, particularly the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.

“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,” the prime minister said in a post on X. “We pray for the injured and stand in solidarity with all those affected during this difficult and challenging time,” he added.

President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and destruction caused by the earthquakes. According to a statement issued by the President House media wing, he extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and conveyed sympathies to the government and people of Venezuela.

The president said the people of Pakistan shared the grief of the Venezuelan people and stood with them in solidarity. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and for strength and resilience for all those affected by the disaster.

The natural disaster has struck Venezuela at a particularly sensitive moment in its history. The country is still navigating a major political transition following the January 2026 US military operation in Caracas that resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The United States says Maduro is facing criminal charges, including narcotics-related offences, before a federal court in New York, while his supporters have condemned the operation and questioned its legality.

Following Maduro's removal, Delcy Rodríguez assumed the role of acting president and has been overseeing efforts to stabilise the country amid continuing political and economic challenges. Venezuela has endured years of economic decline, international sanctions, political polarisation, and a prolonged humanitarian crisis that forced millions of citizens to emigrate.

As emergency workers continue searching through the rubble and aftershocks remain a concern, Venezuelans now face the daunting task of recovering from one of the country's deadliest natural disasters while grappling with an already fragile political and economic landscape.