ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday expressed deep sorrow and solidarity with Venezuela following powerful earthquakes that struck the South American nation, causing deaths, injuries and widespread destruction.
Two strong earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude hit Venezuela on Wednesday, killing at least 32 people and injuring hundreds, while rescue teams continued operations in the affected regions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his condolences to the government and people of Venezuela, particularly the families who lost loved ones 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 profound grief over the loss of lives and damage caused by the earthquakes.
According to a statement issued by the President House media wing, the president extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressed sympathy with the government and people of Venezuela.
President Zardari said the people of Pakistan shared the grief of the Venezuelan nation and stood with them in solidarity during this difficult period.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured and for strength and resilience for all those affected by the disaster.
The powerful earthquakes caused buildings to collapse in and around the capital, Caracas, with authorities reporting casualties and extensive structural damage.
President Zardari expressed hope that the people of Venezuela would overcome the tragedy with courage and determination and that ongoing relief and rescue efforts would provide timely assistance to those in need.
Meanwhile, the United States Geological Survey (USGS), using predictive modelling to estimate the likely impact of the disaster, said the eventual death toll could run into the thousands, with a significant probability of exceeding 10,000.
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez said the initial casualty figures did not include victims from La Guaira state, located near Caracas and home to the city’s main airport, which has emerged as the worst-affected area.
“Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and we are currently carrying out very intense rescue efforts to save as many lives as God allows us to save,” Rodriguez said during an appearance on state television shortly before 1am local time on Thursday.