Community of Madrid donates 1 million euros in humanitarian aid to Venezuela after earthquake

The Community of Madrid has announced a donation of 1 million euros in humanitarian aid for Venezuela, following the devastating double earthquake that struck the country's north on June 24.

Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the president of the Community of Madrid, confirmed the financial contribution via a social media post. The funds are designated to support assistance and damage mitigation operations in the areas impacted by the tremors. The allocation of these public resources was formalized during an institutional event at the Puerta del Sol. The event also served as a tribute to the earthquake victims and welcomed back the Immediate Response Team of the Community of Madrid (Ericam), whose rescue and canine units concluded a week of operations in Venezuela.

The gathering, attended by around 200 people including members of the Venezuelan diaspora in Madrid, was marked by expressions of political support for Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González, who was present. Both Ayuso and González formally thanked the Ericam personnel for their rescue efforts. Carlos Manuel Moreno Terán, a Venezuelan resident in Madrid, highlighted the ongoing work of local collection centers and expressed gratitude for the rescue team's work and González's presence.

Due to weather conditions, the latter part of the event moved indoors to the Real Casa de Correos. There, the Carlos Cruz Díez Symphony Orchestra, composed of Venezuelan musicians, performed. The repertoire included the song "Venezuela" and the national anthem, "Gloria al Bravo Pueblo." During the ceremony, migrant community representatives referenced the logistical situation in Caracas and La Guaira and alluded to statements by political leader María Corina Machado regarding the seismic emergency.

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We are receiving our president-elect Edmundo and thanking President Ayuso, and here we are honoring the rescue group that just returned from Venezuela. This is a tribute to them.