The Government of Jamaica has expressed its deepest condolences to the Government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that struck the South American nation late Wednesday.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Government, on behalf of the Jamaican people, said it was saddened by the loss of life and destruction caused by the disaster.
‘Our hearts are with the families who have lost loved ones, with the injured, and with the many still searching for those trapped beneath the rubble,’ the Government said.
Recalling Jamaica’s own experience with Hurricane Melissa in 2025, the Government underscored its solidarity with Venezuela during this difficult period.
‘As a Caribbean nation that knows well the suddenness with which natural disasters can impact our region, Jamaica stands in full solidarity with Venezuela in this time of grief and recovery. The bonds of friendship and regional kinship that unite our peoples are never more deeply felt than in moments of shared adversity,’ it added.
The Government noted that Jamaica stands ready to support the relief and recovery effort in whatever way it can, and joined the wider Caribbean and international community in offering assistance.
‘We pray for the strength of the Venezuelan people and for a swift and full recovery,’ it said.
Venezuela was rocked by two powerful earthquakes – a 7.2-magnitude quake followed just 39 seconds later by a larger 7.5-magnitude main shock-the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported.,
At least 164 people have died and 971 have been injured, with the death toll feared to rise, acting President Delcy Rodríguez said. She declared a state of emergency across several states affected.
La Guaira, the area hardest hit, has been described as a disaster zone.
The country’s main airport, Simón Bolívar International Airport near Caracas, is damaged and closed. Subway and natural gas services in the capital have been canceled, as well as school activities for several days.
The main earthquake struck at 6:05 p.m. local time near Yumare, located on the country’s Caribbean coast, about 100 miles west of the capital of Caracas. The first quake was recorded at about 6:04 p.m. and was centered near San Felipe, about 4 miles north of the second quake.