Canada increases earthquake aid for Venezuela to $12 million CAD

Canada has boosted its humanitarian assistance for Venezuela to $12 million Canadian dollars, equivalent to about $8.5 million U.S. dollars, to address the emergency caused by earthquakes on June 24. The announcement came Friday, July 17, after the donation matching program for Canadian citizens was raised from $4 million to $7 million Canadian dollars.

Randeep Sarai, the secretary of state for international development, explained that the initial limit, set on June 30, was quickly met through contributions to the Canadian Red Cross and the Humanitarian Coalition. "Canadians have responded during this crisis, demonstrating our commitment to helping those most in need. Thanks to the generosity of people across Canada, humanitarian organizations will be able to provide vital assistance to affected families and communities," Sarai stated.

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Canadians have responded during this crisis, demonstrating our commitment to helping those most in need. Thanks to the generosity of people across Canada, humanitarian organizations will be able to provide vital assistance to affected families and communities.

The funds will support critical services including emergency medical care, temporary shelters, and access to clean water. Additionally, the aid will cover sanitation, hygiene, and other essential actions for the communities impacted by the disaster. "Canada is committed to supporting the people of Venezuela as they respond to the devastating impacts of these earthquakes," said Foreign Minister Anita Anand.

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Canada is committed to supporting the people of Venezuela as they respond to the devastating impacts of these earthquakes.

Anand added, "The generosity of Canadians has allowed us to increase our contribution and ensure our humanitarian partners continue to deliver critical assistance to affected communities." Part of the funding will be channeled through the Canadian Red Cross and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The Humanitarian Coalition will distribute the remainder among 12 humanitarian organizations operating in Venezuela.

Meanwhile, the death toll from the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck nearly a month ago has risen to 5,208, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez. The number of injured remains at 16,740, with 17,907 people displaced. Additionally, 23,820 individuals are housed in 107 temporary camps, and authorities have assisted 128,324 families, as reported by EFE.

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The generosity of Canadians has allowed us to increase our contribution and ensure our humanitarian partners continue to deliver critical assistance to affected communities.