The back-to-back earthquakes hit Venezuela on Wednesday evening local time. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the disaster could cause extensive damage and a high number of casualties.
USGS issued an early impact assessment estimating that the death toll could range between 10,000 and 100,000. However, authorities have not confirmed the number of fatalities or injuries.
Foreign Ministry Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens Heni Hamidah said the Indonesian Embassy in Caracas immediately contacted the Indonesians living in the country.
“Our embassy in Caracas quickly reached out to the Indonesian citizens in Venezuela. Based on the embassy’s monitoring, all three Indonesians in Venezuela are safe and healthy,” Heni said on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s diplomatic facilities in Venezuela did not sustain significant structural damage following the earthquakes.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang said Indonesia also extended its condolences to the Venezuelan people.
“We express our deepest condolences over this disaster and wish for a speedy recovery,” Yvonne said.
Reports indicate the twin earthquakes were the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century. Emergency responders continue assessing the damage as rescue operations remain underway across affected areas.
