Tarique offers condolences after Venezuela quakes, voices Bangladesh's solidarity

“Bangladesh conveys full support to the affected people, and wishes the Government of Venezuela strength, resilience, and healing,” he says

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed sorrow over the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela that left a trail of death and destruction.

On Friday, while on a three-day state visit to China, Tarique posted a message on his verified Facebook account extending condolences and support to the people of Venezuela.

“We are gravely saddened by the earthquakes that have struck Venezuela, causing tragic loss of so many lives and so much destruction,” he wrote.

“On behalf of the people of Bangladesh, I extend deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. We also pray for the swift recovery of every individual injured, and stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela during this difficult time.

“Bangladesh conveys full support to the affected people, and wishes the Government of Venezuela strength, resilience, and healing.”

Two powerful back-to-back earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck north-central Venezuela on Wednesday evening, trapping hundreds under collapsed buildings, Reuters reports.

The death toll from the rare doublet earthquakes has risen to around 235, Venezuelan Health Minister Carlos Alvarado said in an interview with state television on Thursday.

Authorities have launched rescue and emergency response operations in the affected areas as assessments of the destruction continue.