All registered Malaysians in Venezuela are safe after two powerful earthquakes hit central Venezuela, says Wisma Putra.
PUTRAJAYA: All registered Malaysian nationals in Venezuela are safe and accounted for following two powerful earthquakes that struck central Venezuela on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry said.
In a statement on Thursday, the ministry, also known as Wisma Putra, said it was closely monitoring developments following the earthquakes, which measured 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale.
At this juncture, the ministry said Venezuelan authorities are still assessing the situation and have yet to determine the number of casualties and the full extent of the damage.
“The embassy remains in close communication with local authorities and continues to monitor the situation,” the statement read.
Wisma Putra said Malaysians residing in or visiting the affected areas are strongly advised to exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant, and strictly adhere to all safety directives and updates issued by the local emergency services.
It strongly urged all Malaysian nationals who have not yet registered their presence to do so immediately via e-Konsular at https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my.
Malaysians requiring immediate consular assistance, or wishing to provide information regarding other Malaysian nationals who may be in the affected area, are urged to contact the Embassy of Malaysia in Caracas at (+58-212) 720 4257 or (+58-424) 222 1338, or via email at [email protected].
Wisma Putra said it will continue to provide updates as necessary.
Earlier the earthquakes occurred approximately 21 kilometres away from Moron and 168 kilometres west of Caracas, the capital city.
The tremors were felt widely across the country, including Caracas as well as the states of Trujillo, Carabobo, Miranda, and La Guaira, causing structural damage resulting in the collapse of buildings.
