Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni has conveyed Uganda’s heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck the South American nation this week, leaving hundreds dead, thousands injured, and widespread destruction across several regions.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 26, President Museveni said Uganda stands in solidarity with Venezuela as rescue teams continue searching for survivors beneath collapsed buildings following one of the country’s worst natural disasters in more than a century.
“On behalf of the Government and the People of Uganda, I wish to convey heartfelt condolences to the Government and People of Venezuela, upon suffering a natural catastrophe, the big magnitude earthquakes (Musisi, in our local Luganda dialect), that hit parts of your Country and caused colossal loss of life, multiple casualties and damage to property and infrastructure,” Museveni said.
The President expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the disaster.
“At this trying moment, the People of Uganda commiserate and stand in solidarity with their Venezuelan Brothers and Sisters, and wish quick recuperation to those who sustained physical injuries.”
Museveni also expressed hope that ongoing emergency operations would save more lives and prevent the death toll from rising further. “We pray that the ongoing search and rescue efforts succeed in preventing the already high death toll from escalating.”
Describing the tragedy as heartbreaking, the President said Uganda shares in Venezuela’s grief as the country comes to terms with the disaster.
“The grief and loss that have been occasioned by these earthquakes is unimaginable; and therefore, as you come to terms with its devastating effects and mourn the loss of your loved ones, our hearts and prayers are with you.”
According to authorities and international monitoring agencies, the quakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, which struck just seconds apart on June 24, caused catastrophic destruction, particularly in La Guaira State, Caracas, Carabobo, and surrounding areas, collapsing residential buildings, damaging hospitals, roads, airports, and other critical infrastructure.
The earthquakes are regarded as the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century.
As of Friday, official reports indicated that at least 235 people had been confirmed dead, more than 4,300 people injured, over 2,200 families displaced, while approximately 250 buildings and public structures had been damaged or destroyed.
Authorities warned that the toll could continue rising as emergency crews search through the rubble for hundreds of people believed to be trapped.
The disaster has prompted an international humanitarian response, with several countries and international organizations dispatching search-and-rescue teams, medical personnel, emergency supplies, and financial assistance to support relief operations.
Museveni’s message adds Uganda’s voice to the growing international expressions of sympathy and solidarity with Venezuela following the deadly natural disaster, as rescue teams continue search and recovery efforts in the affected areas.
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