President Lee Jae Myung expressed condolences on Thursday over powerful earthquakes in Venezuela that killed at least 32 people. The Foreign Ministry issued a similar statement.
The quakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck northern Venezuela within a minute of each other on Wednesday evening local time. At least 32 people were killed and more than 700 others injured.
President Lee said in a social media post, "On behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of Korea, I extend my deepest condolences to the victims and the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones and their homes due to the sudden disaster." He also hoped for swift recovery and the safe return of those missing.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Park Il said around 100 South Koreans reside in Venezuela and no Korean casualties have been reported. The government is monitoring the situation and reviewing possible assistance.
