Erdogan offers condolences to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday extended condolences to Venezuela after twin earthquakes struck the South American country's northern Caribbean coast, saying Ankara stands by the Venezuelan people during this difficult time. "I sincerely share the grief of those who lost their lives in the two earthquakes that struck Venezuela, and extend my condolences and wishes for a speedy recovery to the friendly people and government of Venezuela," Erdogan said on the social media platform X.

"As Türkiye, we stand by our Venezuelan friends during these painful and difficult days," he added, emphasizing Ankara's readiness to provide assistance. The messages came as the death toll continued to rise in the South American nation.

State of emergency

Late Wednesday, powerful tremors struck Venezuela's northern Caribbean coast, prompting acting President Delcy Rodriguez to declare a national state of emergency. The earthquakes caused widespread damage and triggered tsunami warnings across the region, according to official reports.

Rising death toll

Rodriguez announced early Thursday that at least 32 people have died and some 700 were injured in the disaster. Emergency response teams have mobilized to affected areas as authorities continue search-and-rescue operations amid the destruction.