Lebanon announced on Thursday that it has been closely monitoring the situation of its Lebanese community in Venezuela through its embassy in Caracas after two major earthquakes struck the country.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji has instructed the embassy to "provide all forms of support and assistance to the Lebanese community and maintain direct contact with them to ensure their well-being and meet their needs."
Raji was informed that "all Lebanese residents in Venezuela are safe, with no injuries reported among them. However, the Lebanese embassy building in Caracas did suffer some material damage due to the tremors."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "Lebanon's deep sorrow and heartfelt solidarity with Venezuela and its people during this painful ordeal."
They announced they are closely monitoring the situation as it develops and reaffirmed their ongoing communication with the Lebanese community until the safety of all members is fully assured.
Dozens were killed and hundreds were injured in a twin earthquake on Wednesday, the strongest in Venezuela since 1900, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency, while eyewitnesses saw collapsed buildings and scenes of panic in Caracas.