Canada said it will provide “an initial” $5 million in humanitarian assistance to Venezuela following a pair of deadly earthquakes that hit the country overnight Wednesday. The funding, announced Thursday by Global Affairs Canada, is intended to support emergency relief efforts and help organizations provide life-saving assistance, including emergency food and water, sanitation and health services, along with protection and logistics support.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said the devastation was heartbreaking and that many families are facing intense hardship as communities are torn apart. More details on how the money will be allocated are expected in the coming days.
The government said the new funding is in addition to $4.5 million in aid Canada had already allocated to Venezuela earlier in the year. Randeep Sarai, secretary of state for international development, said Canada’s initial response will focus on the most urgent needs while the government explores further support.
Canada also said the Venezuela Red Cross will receive $3.5 million, funded from the International Red Cross’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund, to which Canada has contributed $5 million so far this year.
The earthquakes—reported as magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5—were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century and were felt across the region. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada was preparing humanitarian aid and that Ottawa would scale its response as needed, as officials reported the death toll at least 188 as of Thursday afternoon. It was not immediately clear whether any Canadians were among those affected.
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