Canada readies aid as Venezuela reels from deadly earthquakes
Two massive quakes struck the country Wednesday, killing at least 164 people. Prime Minister Carney says humanitarian assistance is being prepared.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Thursday that Canada is preparing humanitarian assistance for Venezuela following catastrophic earthquakes that struck the country Wednesday.
Two earthquakes—measuring 7.1 and 7.5 magnitude and occurring less than a minute apart—hit near the Venezuelan coast west of Caracas on June 24. The quakes were among the strongest to strike the country in more than a century and caused widespread damage to infrastructure. At least 164 people have been killed and 971 injured, according to Venezuela's Acting President Delcy Rodríguez.
Carcas Airport remains closed until further notice. Authorities warn of additional aftershocks that could cause further damage and disrupt access to essential services.
In a statement, Carney expressed his "sincere condolences to the loved ones of those who were lost." Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand called the suffering "heartbreaking," noting that "many are facing unbearable days ahead without shelter, food or certainty."
Global Affairs Canada officials are in touch with regional partners and aid groups, and Canada will "contribute to humanitarian efforts as appropriate," Anand said. Canada closed its Caracas embassy in June 2019 after Venezuela refused to renew expiring visas for diplomats, though the two countries have not formally severed relations.
