In a message to Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez on Thursday, Pezeshkian expressed sympathy over the loss of lives and injuries caused by the powerful earthquakes and conveyed condolences to the victims’ families.
The Iranian president said the Islamic Republic stands alongside the government and people of Venezuela in the aftermath of the disaster and declared Iran’s preparedness to provide emergency relief, medical support, and humanitarian aid to help reduce the suffering of those affected and assist ongoing rescue and recovery operations.
Pezeshkian described the earthquakes as a tragic event that caused extensive human and material losses in several regions of the Latin American country and voiced confidence that the Venezuelan people would overcome the consequences of the disaster.
According to Venezuelan authorities, at least 188 people were killed and more than 1,500 injured after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on Wednesday night, damaging hundreds of buildings. Officials warned that the death toll could rise further as rescue teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
Acting President Delcy Rodriguez visited affected areas and declared a state of emergency, while operations at Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas were suspended due to earthquake-related damage.
Messages of condolence and international offers of assistance have continued to arrive as Venezuela responds to the disaster, including a US pledge of $150 million in aid. Humanitarian organizations have also warned that the earthquakes could place additional pressure on public services and deepen economic difficulties in Venezuela, where millions were already estimated to require humanitarian assistance before the disaster.