Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, former chief adviser of the interim government, has expressed his profound sorrow over the deaths following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.
“My deepest condolences to the people and government of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes. The scale of destruction in the affected states is heartbreaking,” he said in a condolence message on Thursday.
Prof Yunus said his heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones and to those still searching for missing relatives and friends.
“My thoughts are also with the many people who lost their homes overnight and now face long and difficult days ahead,” he added.
“In moments like this, the world must come together. Only unity can carry Venezuela through its darkest hours.
“You are not alone. The world stands with you,” Prof Yunus said.
At least 164 people have died and 971 were injured after a pair of powerful quakes rocked Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Thursday.
Wednesday evening’s 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century and could be felt throughout the region. Buildings were evacuated in places as far away as Brazil’s Amazon, about 1,700 kilometers (1,050 miles) from Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.