President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has sent a message of condolence to Venezuela following the deadly earthquakes that struck the country, expressing sympathy to those affected by the disaster.

In a message addressed to Interim President Delcy Eloína Rodríguez Gómez, President Dr Muizzu conveyed condolences on behalf of the Government and people of the Maldives to the Venezuelan government and its people.

He also extended sympathies to the families of those who lost loved ones and wished those injured a speedy recovery, while expressing hope that ongoing relief and recovery efforts would be successful.

The earthquakes have killed at least 164 people, injured many others and caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Search and rescue operations remain underway, with United Nations-coordinated specialist rescue teams and emergency personnel from several countries, including Switzerland and France, travelling to Venezuela to assist in the response.