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.