MOSCOW, June 25. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez over the tragic aftermath of the powerful earthquake in the country’s northwest.

"Dear Ms. Rodriguez, please accept my deepest condolences over the tragic consequences of the devastating earthquake in northwestern Venezuela. Please convey my sincere sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, as well as my wishes for a speedy recovery to all those injured as a result of this natural disaster," the Kremlin said in a telegram published on its website.

Russia expresses solidarity with and support for the friendly people of Venezuela during this difficult time, the Russian president concluded.

The earthquake in Venezuela occurred on the evening of June 24. Two series of tremors were recorded about 40 seconds apart, with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. Their epicenters were located about 10 km apart in Venezuela’s Yaracuy state.

According to Rodriguez, at least 32 people were killed and 700 others were injured. Dozens of buildings were destroyed. Venezuelan authorities declared a state of emergency. The government also declared the coastal La Guaira state a disaster zone.