The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, kidnapped by the United States, sent a message of solidarity to the population affected by the earthquakes that hit the country on Wednesday (24). In a text published on social media on behalf of himself and his wife, Cilia Flores, who has also been imprisoned in New York since January, Maduro stated that he prays for the affected families and asked for unity in the face of the tragedy.
“Beloved people of Venezuela, in the face of the powerful earthquake that hit our homeland, Cilia and I raise our prayers for each affected family, for the injured, for those who are suffering and for all our people. Today, the word is one: maximum union, maximum solidarity and maximum action”, says the message published on the Venezuelan leader’s social networks.
“May no one be alone, may each community take care of its children, its grandparents, its sick, and may we all follow the work of the rescue bodies, PNB, FANB, civil defense, doctors, firefighters, workers and volunteers”, he added.
“In this difficult time, we call for national unity, serenity and concrete love: to help, protect, share, lift and rebuild. Venezuela has already faced great trials and from this we will also emerge strong, with faith, discipline and solidarity. Our hearts and our prayers are with you. May God bless and protect Venezuela!”, concluded the president.
Worst earthquake since 1967
Earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 caused buildings to collapse in Caracas and other cities. The United States Geological Survey reported that the epicenters were about five kilometers apart and that the two events occurred approximately 40 seconds apart.
The earthquakes are considered two of the most serious in Venezuela’s recent history. The last major earthquake to hit Caracas occurred in 1967, when a 6.6 magnitude tremor left hundreds dead and more than 1,500 injured. Now, to date, official data indicates 164 deaths and 971 injuries.
In a statement on state television, interim president Delcy Rodríguez stated that the state of La Guaira was the hardest hit.
“Dozens of buildings have collapsed, and we are carrying out very intense rescue efforts to save as many lives as God allows us to save,” he said. “I also want to say that this is a true tragedy. From here, we send our message of solidarity and, to the families who have lost loved ones, we reaffirm our condolences and our support in these difficult times.”
Rodríguez declared a state of emergency and announced the mobilization of rescue, security and civil assistance teams to serve the affected areas. Classes and non-essential services have been suspended. Gas and electricity networks were also disconnected in affected regions.
Maduro and Cilia Flores have been detained in the United States since January, after being kidnapped in a US military operation in Caracas. The two face a criminal case and deny the accusations brought by the American authorities.
Brazil offers help
In a statement released on Wednesday night, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan people and made Brazil available to collaborate with recovery efforts. “I received with deep consternation the news of the earthquakes that hit Venezuela. I express my solidarity with the Venezuelan people and the families of the victims”, he stated.
Lula also declared support for Delcy Rodríguez’s government and said that Brazil is ready to contribute to the reconstruction of the affected areas.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also released a statement expressing regret for the deaths and solidarity with the Venezuelan people. The ministry reported that it is monitoring the situation through the Brazilian Embassy in Caracas and is in contact with local authorities to assess possible needs for assistance and humanitarian cooperation.
The tremors were also felt in cities in northern Brazil, including Belém, Manaus, Boa Vista and Macapá. In some places, residents left buildings as a precaution.
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br
