The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reached out to Ecuador and Peru, conveying its heartfelt condolences in the wake of the powerful earthquakes that jolted the two South American nations over the weekend.
A statement issued by the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation expressed the nation's deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones in the disasters. The Ministry also extended its well wishes for a swift recovery to those injured in the quakes.
The statement did not disclose whether the UAE would be offering any humanitarian assistance to the affected areas.
Ecuador reeled from the effects of a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck on Saturday. Peru, its neighboring nation to the south, was hit by a 6.1-magnitude tremor on Sunday. Both quakes resulted in widespread damage and a yet-to-be-determined number of casualties.
The tremors triggered landslides and caused buildings to crumble in several towns and cities across the two countries. Rescue efforts are underway amidst the wreckage, with emergency personnel searching for survivors and attending to the injured. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Ecuador and Peru are situated along the Ring of Fire, a horseshoe-shaped region around the Pacific Ocean that experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The nations have building codes and safety measures in place to withstand seismic activity; however, powerful earthquakes can still cause significant devastation.
The international community has begun to respond to the unfolding disaster. Several countries, including the United States and Japan, have offered their condolences and pledged to provide assistance to relief efforts.
The UAE's expression of solidarity comes within the broader context of the nation's commitment to international humanitarian aid. The UAE has a long history of providing assistance to countries grappling with natural disasters and other crises around the world.