Delcy Rodríguez, acting president of Venezuela, publicly expressed her gratitude on Thursday to Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel for his solidarity following the devastating earthquakes that struck the country on Wednesday, June 24. These were the most powerful tremors Venezuela has experienced since 1900.
In a message shared on X, Rodríguez directly addressed Díaz-Canel: "On behalf of the people of Venezuela, I thank the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, for his words of solidarity and for always standing by Venezuela in such challenging times."
Earlier, Díaz-Canel had shared his condolences on X and confirmed Cuba's involvement in relief efforts: "Our heartfelt condolences and full solidarity with the government and people of Venezuela, following the tragic earthquakes that shook the central region on Wednesday. Cuban Health personnel are actively assisting those affected."
Later, Rodríguez expanded on this sentiment in another message: "A fraternal embrace to the Cuban people, who once again show that the bond between our nations is rooted in solidarity."
Devastating Earthquakes and Their Aftermath
The earthquakes occurred at 6:04 PM local time on Wednesday, with magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, separated by just 39 seconds. The more intense quake was the strongest recorded in Venezuela in over a century, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), which issued a maximum red alert and estimated a 42% probability of casualties ranging from 10,000 to 100,000.
The latest official update on Thursday reported 164 deaths and 971 injuries. The state of La Guaira was declared a disaster zone, with numerous buildings collapsing. Rodríguez described the situation as "a true tragedy" and announced a $200 million fund to address the emergency.
Cuba’s Medical Support
Cuba has thousands of healthcare workers stationed in Venezuela — approximately 12,930 as of July 2025. These workers were not fully repatriated after Nicolás Maduro's fall in January 2026 and immediately joined the relief efforts. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla also voiced support for Venezuela.
Diplomatic Nuances
Rodríguez's acknowledgment of Díaz-Canel carries particular political weight in the current climate. Cuba was not mentioned in Rodríguez's initial message of gratitude to the international community, which included thanks to Donald Trump, the United States, and other nations. The tweet to the Cuban leader followed hours later, in direct response to his post, suggesting a diplomatic reciprocation rather than an off-the-cuff mention.
In the same vein, the United States dispatched search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles to Venezuela. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the initiative as "a government-wide response" that will be "large, swift, and effective."
Rodríguez also publicly thanked Trump — an unimaginable gesture during Maduro's tenure — and stated that "Venezuela will never forget the help extended to our people during these tough times," signaling a significant diplomatic shift since she assumed the acting presidency on January 5, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Venezuela's Earthquakes and International Response
What was the magnitude of the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes had magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, occurring just 39 seconds apart.
How did the international community respond to Venezuela's crisis?
The international community, including the United States and Cuba, responded with offers of support and deployed personnel to assist in relief efforts.
What was the response of the Cuban government?
Cuba expressed solidarity and confirmed the active participation of its healthcare personnel in aiding those affected by the earthquakes.