(Kaieteur News) – President Irfaan Ali has extended Guyana’s condolences and offered assistance to neighbouring Venezuela following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the South American nation on Wednesday, leaving scores dead, hundreds injured and entire communities buried beneath rubble.

“As neighbours, we are deeply saddened by the scale, magnitude, and destruction caused by the two powerful back-to-back earthquakes that struck Caracas yesterday and so far, claiming dozens of lives and injuring hundreds. We stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela. As neighbours, we are ready to offer assistance within our capacity. Our love, prayers, and thoughts are with the families of those affected and the people of Venezuela,” President Ali said.

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and occurring less than a minute apart, are being described as the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century. The powerful tremors rocked Caracas and surrounding regions, collapsing dozens of buildings, overwhelming hospitals and forcing authorities to declare a state of emergency. Early official reports placed the death toll at more than 30 with over 700 injured, but authorities have warned that the numbers are expected to rise as rescue operations continue.