Guyana: Guyana Offers Assistance to Venezuela Following Earthquakes

President Irfaan Ali of Guyana announced early Thursday that the country is prepared to assist Venezuela following two significant earthquakes that occurred on Wednesday. In a statement shared on Facebook, President Ali expressed that as neighbors, Guyana is ready to offer assistance within its capacity. He conveyed his condolences, stating, “Our love, prayers, and thoughts are with the families of those affected and the people of Venezuela.”

President Ali noted that the people of Guyana are “deeply saddened by the scale, magnitude, and destruction” caused by the earthquakes, which struck Caracas. Reports indicate that the earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale and occurred just a minute apart. The BBC reported that the earthquakes resulted in 32 fatalities, approximately 700 injuries, and significant damage to buildings, particularly in Caracas and La Guaira state.

Rescue operations are currently underway in the capital, where rescuers are searching through rubble and responding to calls for help. The earthquakes struck at 6:04 PM on Wednesday, coinciding with a national holiday in Venezuela, when many residents were at home.

In addition to Guyana’s response, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley also expressed condolences and offered support to Venezuela. She stated that acts of humanity, kindness, solidarity, and courage are essential in the aftermath of such disasters. Prime Minister Mottley emphasized that pain does not stop at borders and reaffirmed Barbados’ readiness to assist in any way possible.

As the situation develops, the International Court of Justice is expected to rule on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award concerning the Essequibo Region later this year or early 2027.

Source: demerarawaves.com