Governor calls for prayers for Venezuela, which once aided Aceh after the tsunami

Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, also known as Mualem, has called on the people of Aceh to pray for the safety of Venezuelans affected by a massive earthquake, citing the country’s assistance during the 2004 tsunami. Government spokesperson Nurlis Effendi stated in Banda Aceh on Thursday that the governor urged all Acehnese to pray for the safety and health of the survivors. Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on 24 June 2026, with the death toll rising to 2,295 and injuries reaching 11,267, while 782 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial tremors. The Aceh government expressed its deepest condolences and hopes for a swift recovery, adding that humanitarian aid should continue to flow, including from Aceh. Nurlis noted that the Aceh administration deeply understands the burden facing Venezuela, having experienced a catastrophic tsunami that claimed more than 170,000 lives. Venezuela was among the nations that provided assistance during that disaster, contributing two million US dollars in humanitarian funds for infrastructure recovery, medical services, and emergency response for survivors during the emergency and reconstruction phases. The name Venezuela on a local campus stands as a token of appreciation for the humanitarian aid and cooperation extended by the Venezuelan government during Aceh’s post-tsunami reconstruction. The twin earthquakes, measuring Mw 7.2 and Mw 7.5 and centred in San Felipe, Yaracuy, have triggered a humanitarian crisis, prompting the Venezuelan government to declare a state of emergency and a seven-day period of mourning. The Indonesian government, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has conveyed its profound condolences and joined 24 other nations in offering international solidarity for Venezuela’s recovery efforts.