Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday, 25 June conveyed India's condolences to Venezuela following two powerful earthquakes that struck the South American nation in quick succession, causing widespread destruction and prompting a national State of Emergency. The twin quakes, registering magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, hit near the coastal town of Moron, approximately 160 km west of the capital Caracas.

India's Official Response

Taking to X, Vice President Radhakrishnan said, “Deeply distressed by the tragic loss of lives and extensive damage caused by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.” He added: “At this difficult time, my thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones, the injured, and the countless families whose lives have been disrupted. May the people of Venezuela find strength and resilience as they confront this immense challenge.”

Radhakrishnan concluded by stating, “I join the people of India in expressing our sympathy and solidarity with the people of Venezuela.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted condolences on X, saying he was “deeply saddened by the devastation caused by the severe earthquakes in Venezuela.” Modi extended “heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela, especially to the families who have lost their loved ones,” and affirmed that “India stands ready to extend all possible assistance.”

Scale and Severity of the Earthquakes

The US Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the first quake at magnitude 7.1 at 2204 GMT on Wednesday, followed just one minute later by a stronger magnitude 7.5 tremor. Both struck near Moron, roughly 160 km west of Caracas, at a shallow depth of 10 km — a factor that can significantly amplify surface-level destruction. The USGS assessed that the quakes are likely to result in high casualties and extensive damage.

Several buildings collapsed in the eastern part of the Caracas metropolitan area, according to Venezuela’s Interior, Justice and Peace Minister Diosdado Cabello, who gave no immediate figures on casualties or injuries. The tremors were also felt strongly in several cities across neighbouring Colombia, according to Colombian media reports.

Venezuela Declares State of Emergency

Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a State of Emergency across the entire national territory following the quakes. In a post on X, Rodriguez said: “Following the strong earthquakes recorded this afternoon in the country, we have declared a State of Emergency throughout the national territory. We call on all citizens to remain alert, safe, and as calm as possible.”

Rodriguez also announced the closure of Maiquetia airport due to earthquake damage, and confirmed that security forces, medical services, and civil protection teams had been deployed nationwide for rescue and relief operations.

Warnings and Aftershock Risk

Minister Cabello urged Venezuelans to avoid remaining inside buildings in the hours following the quakes, citing the risk of strong aftershocks that could trigger further collapses. He called on the public to remain calm and united as the country confronts the disaster’s aftermath. The shallow focal depth of 10 km makes aftershocks particularly consequential for already-weakened structures.

What Comes Next

With the Maiquetia airport shut and infrastructure damage reported across multiple cities, humanitarian access and logistics will be an early challenge for relief operations. India has signalled readiness to assist, though no specific aid package has been detailed yet. The full scale of casualties and structural damage remains to be assessed as rescue teams continue operations across Venezuela.