Spain expresses its “full solidarity” with Venezuela after the two earthquakes

Eduardo González The Spanish government expressed its “full solidarity and support to the Venezuelan people” on Thursday following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday. At least 32 people have died and more than 700 have been injured as a result of the two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale that struck the north of the country within a minute, according to the country's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez. She warned that these figures do not include the state of La Guaira, which is “the most affected” and where “dozens of buildings have collapsed.” The U.S. Geological Survey has warned that there could be thousands of victims in what has already been considered the worst earthquake in Venezuela's history. “Our Embassy and Consulate in Caracas are fully operational, monitoring the situation and the well-being of Spanish residents in the country, and are fully available to our community,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. “We are in contact with the authorities to assess the needs and offer our full support to send all necessary emergency aid,” it added. “My full solidarity with the Venezuelan people,” Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares posted on social media. The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) “is prepared to provide all necessary emergency assistance,” he continued. “Our Embassy in Venezuela and the Spanish Consulate in Caracas are fully operational for the Spanish community at the following telephone numbers: +34 91 000 1249 and +58 424-2090264,” he concluded. For his part, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez conveyed, via social media, his “full support and that of Spain to the Venezuelan people following tonight’s devastating earthquakes.” “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” the message concluded. Foreign Ministry sources have reported that Albares spoke by telephone with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil just minutes before departing with the King for Mexico, "to convey Spain's solidarity and offer its full support" through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the Military Emergency Unit (UME), offered by the Ministry of Defense. "They agreed to speak again during the layover in the Dominican Republic to finalize the details of this assistance," they added. For its part, the Spanish Consulate General in Venezuela has issued a statement calling on the entire Spanish community “to remain calm, act prudently, and follow the recommendations of civil protection authorities.” It also reminds everyone that “aftershocks can occur after an earthquake” and advises Spaniards to stay informed “only through official channels.” “Avoid spreading unverified information,” it adds. “Our thoughts are with Venezuela,” wrote the president of the People’s Party, Alberto Núñez Feijóo. “All possible help to those who need it now. All our solidarity with a sister nation facing very difficult days ahead. And all our love to the many Venezuelans in Spain who are facing this tragedy with enormous anguish,” he added. “All my strength and love to the Venezuelan people after the powerful earthquakes that occurred tonight. I want to send my support to all the victims and their families. Spain is with you,” posted the Second Vice President and leader of Sumar, Yolanda Díaz. US President Donald Trump has announced that his country “is ready, willing, and able to help” Venezuela. “I have instructed all agencies of our government to prepare to act swiftly. We will be there for our great new friends,” Trump added via social media. Separately, Delcy Rodríguez reported that the Venezuelan government has established direct contact with authorities in El Salvador, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Mexico, who have offered their assistance.

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