Detained in the US, Maduro Calls for National Unity After a Massive Earthquake in Venezuela

JAKARTA - Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is currently detained in the United States, asked the Venezuelan people to unite and help each other following a major earthquake that shook the South American country.

"In these difficult times, we call for national unity, calm, and real assistance, to help, protect, share, strengthen, and recover. Venezuela has passed through many great trials, and we will also rise from this ordeal stronger - through faith, discipline, and solidarity," Maduro said in a statement on the X platform, as reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Thursday, June 25.

Previously on Wednesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that two earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.2 and 7.5 had shaken Venezuela.

The epicenter was detected 16 kilometers from the city of Moron and 24 kilometers from San Felipe.

At least three people were killed and four others injured after a residential building collapsed in Caracas, Venezuela following a strong earthquake on Wednesday local time.

"The bodies of three victims, including a child, were successfully evacuated from under the rubble. In addition, there were four injured people," a source told RIA Novosti.

The Venezuelan government officially declared a state of national emergency following the strong earthquake that hit the country, said the Acting President (Plt.) of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez.

"We are establishing a state of national emergency, as provided for in our constitution," Rodriguez said in a video address late Wednesday.

He added that Venezuela's main airport, Maiquetia, was forced to close completely due to severe damage.

"A number of areas were reported to be very severely affected. In the capital city of Caracas, buildings collapsed in various areas. The states of Miranda and La Guaira also suffered significant damage... including the Aragua, Carabobo, and Falcon regions," explained Rodriguez.

Furthermore, Rodriguez said that 20 aftershocks had been recorded after the two main earthquakes.

"I want to thank the governments around the world who immediately contacted Venezuela after the earthquake occurred to convey their solidarity and support," said Rodriguez.

According to him, a number of countries such as the United States, Panama, Qatar, Cuba, Nicaragua, Turkey, Jordan, Colombia, Barbados, the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico immediately expressed their readiness to help Venezuela.

In addition, representatives from the United Nations (UN) and international financial institutions have reportedly contacted the Venezuelan government to offer assistance in post-disaster management.