Canada will provide “an initial” $5 million in humanitarian assistance for Venezuela after a pair of deadly earthquakes hit the country overnight Wednesday.
Global Affairs Canada said in a statement Thursday evening the money will go to support emergency relief efforts and “support trusted and experienced partners in providing life-saving assistance, such as emergency food, water, sanitation and health services, as well as protection and logistics services.”
“The scale of devastation in Venezuela caused by these earthquakes is heartbreaking,” Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said. “Families have lost loved ones, communities have been torn apart, and many people are now facing immense uncertainty and hardship.
“Canada stands with the people of Venezuela during this difficult time.”
More information on where the money will be allocated will be announced in the coming days, the statement said.
The government added the new funding is on top of the $4.5 million in aid allocated to Venezuela earlier this year.
“Canada’s initial response is focused on addressing the most urgent needs and we will continue to explore additional ways to support those who are affected,” said Randeep Sarai, the secretary of state for international development whose office oversees foreign aid.
Global Affairs Canada said the Venezuela Red Cross will also receive $3.5 million in response to the earthquakes from the International Red Cross’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund, to which Canada has contributed $5 million so far this year.
The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes were among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century and reported to be felt throughout the region.
FILE - A map of Venezuela shows the epicentres of two massive earthquakes that killed and injured hundreds of people.
Credit: Global NewsThe announcement came after Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday Ottawa would send aid to the South American country.
“It’s a, obviously, fast-developing tragedy,” Carney told reporters on Parliament Hill. “We are moving to provide humanitarian aid. You can expect further communication on that later today. We’re working with our partners directly, and we will scale things as appropriate to move forward.”
In a written statement, Carney expressed his condolences for the dead, who numbered at least 188 as of Thursday afternoon.
“My thoughts are with everyone who has been injured or displaced and with the first responders working tirelessly to save lives,” he added in a post on X.
It’s not yet clear whether any Canadians are among those impacted.
Global News has reached out to Global Affairs Canada for comment but had yet to hear back as of Thursday evening.
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