UAE stands in solidarity with Venezuela after back-to-back quakes

The UAE has expressed its solidarity with Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes wreaked havoc in and around the capital Caracas, trapping several people beneath the rubble of collapsed buildings and setting off powerful aftershocks.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its sincere condolences to the families of the victims, and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The quakes, measuring a magnitude 7.2, hit about 160 km west of Caracas.

The US Geological Survey, using predictive modeling to estimate the death toll, said it would most likely run into the thousands, with a substantial probability of exceeding 10,000.