Caracas: The head of the UN migration office on Thursday called for urgent international support in response to deadly earthquakes that hit Venezuela on Wednesday evening. "Heartbreaking news from Venezuela, where two powerful earthquakes struck within moments, lives lost, many injured, and communities affected," Amy Pope, the director general of the International Organization for Migration, wrote on US social media platform X. Pope said that the UN migration office is mobilizing with partners to assess needs and support those impacted. "Swift international support is critical to respond," she added.

According to Philippines News Agency, late Wednesday, Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodriguez declared a national state of emergency after powerful earthquakes struck the country's northern Caribbean coast, causing widespread damage and triggering tsunami warnings across the region. At least 32 people have died, and some 700 people were injured, Rodriguez announced early Thursday. The US Geological Survey initially estimated that the death toll from the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes could reach anywhere from 10,000 to 100,000.

World leaders expressed condolences and pledged support to Venezuela after the powerful twin earthquakes devastated parts of the South American country. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended his sympathies to the Venezuelan. "On behalf of the Filipino people, I extend our heartfelt sympathies. The Philippines stands in solidarity with the Venezuelan people during this difficult time and hopes for the safety and swift recovery of all communities affected," Marcos said in a statement. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday expressed condolences.