No Indonesians harmed in Venezuela earthquake, embassy continues monitoring

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that no Indonesian citizens fell victim to the major 7.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Venezuela on Wednesday afternoon local time, with the Indonesian Embassy in Caracas continuing to monitor the situation of Indonesian nationals. “The Indonesian Embassy in Caracas has confirmed that all registered Indonesian citizens in Venezuela, totalling three people, are safe, unharmed, and in good health,” said Heni Hamidah, Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to a query in Jakarta on Thursday. Heni also confirmed that all staff at the Indonesian Embassy in Caracas are safe and unharmed. “The Indonesian Embassy office building in Caracas and the Ambassador’s residence also did not suffer significant structural damage,” she said. Heni stated that the 7.1-magnitude earthquake occurred at 15:04 local time (02:04 Western Indonesia Time on Thursday), with the epicentre located approximately 28 kilometres west of the Moron area on the Venezuelan coast at a depth of around 10 to 13 kilometres. Following the major earthquake, the Indonesian Embassy in Caracas has been maintaining rapid coordination and communication with relevant parties. Emergency communication lines have been opened to monitor developments and ensure periodic updates on the condition of Indonesian citizens. The embassy is also monitoring official statements from the Venezuelan government regarding potential aftershocks and tsunami threats along the coast, she added. The Indonesian government has urged Indonesian citizens in Venezuela to remain vigilant, follow the instructions of local authorities, and immediately contact the Indonesian Embassy in Caracas if they require assistance. In an emergency, Indonesian citizens can contact the embassy hotline at +58-4120217253 or +58-4122340100, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ citizen protection hotline at +62812-9007-0027, Heni said. “The Indonesian government extends its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Venezuela for this disaster, and hopes the recovery process can proceed swiftly,” the Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens concluded. The major 7.1-magnitude earthquake shook the Venezuelan coast on Wednesday afternoon local time, triggering a tsunami warning and alert advisories in the region. The tremors were reported to be felt strongly in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, where people rushed out of buildings to safety. A tsunami warning was issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre for the coastal areas of Venezuela as well as the Dutch islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. The tsunami warning was also activated for the US territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.