Polish president offers condolences after deadly earthquakes in Venezuela

Polish President Karol Nawrocki on Thursday expressed condolences and solidarity with the people of Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the South American country, killing dozens and causing widespread destruction.

Emergency responders search for victims after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela's Caribbean coast near the capital Caracas, June 25, 2026

Photo: EPA/RONALD PENA R.

"I extend my deepest condolences and solidarity to the people of Venezuela affected by last night's earthquake," Nawrocki wrote on X.

"I received with great sadness the news of the fatalities, many injuries and destruction," he said. "I join in prayer with the families of the victims of this unimaginable tragedy."

The earthquakes caused severe damage in Caracas and other parts of the country, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, said on Thursday that authorities had received reports of 32 deaths and more than 700 injuries, warning that the toll was likely to rise.

According to the US Geological Survey, the first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.2, followed by a second quake measuring 7.5.

Images and videos circulating on social media showed scenes of panic in Caracas, with collapsed apartment buildings and extensive damage reported in the capital and other cities.

An international airport near Caracas was closed because of the destruction.

Polish foreign ministry spokesman Maciej Wewiór said there was no indication that any Polish citizens had been harmed.

"The presence of Polish citizens in Venezuela is limited to isolated cases," the spokesman said. "We have received no information that any of them were affected."

Polish diplomats in the country were also safe, officials said.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP