Iran declares readiness to send relief teams to Venezuela quake zone

Iran has declared its readiness to provide emergency relief and medical assistance to Venezuela, as acting President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed the death toll from the country's strongest earthquakes in over a century had risen to at least 164, with nearly 1,000 injured.

President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a message to Rodriguez, expressed "sincere condolences" to the government and people of Venezuela.

Iran, he said, "considers itself alongside the government and nation of Venezuela" and is prepared to offer any emergency, medical and humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of victims and aid in relief efforts.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also expressed Iran's solidarity and announced Tehran's readiness to cooperate in rescue operations, stating that the foreign ministry has been in contact with Iran's embassy in Caracas since the early hours of the disaster.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society separately offered to deploy specialized emergency and medical teams to affected areas, according to state media.

The twin earthquakes – measured at magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 by the U.S. Geological Survey – struck north-central Venezuela within 40 seconds of each other on Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings in the capital Caracas and severely damaging coastal states including La Guaira, Carabobo, Miranda, Aragua and Falcon.

Rodriguez declared a state of emergency and described La Guaira as a "disaster zone," adding that dozens of buildings had collapsed there. The Maiquetia airport serving Caracas was closed due to severe damage.

The USGS warned that "high casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread," estimating a 44% chance the death toll could reach 10,000.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.ir