Assistance for Venezuelan Earthquake Victims Planned by Canary Islands Government
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 25 June — The Canary Islands’ government has set up a working group to provide medical assistance, food aid, and potential accommodation for victims of two recent earthquakes in Venezuela. This initiative involves the Vice-Consulate of External Action and 22 local organisations based in the country.
Government spokesperson Alfonso Cabello made the announcement following meetings between President Fernando Clavijo and various entities, including local councils and Parliament representatives. He noted that assistance efforts are being coordinated with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with Clavijo having contacted Secretary of State Diego Martínez, as well as the Fundación España Salud.
Cabello acknowledged that the situation remains in its “early phase”. As of now, the Canarian government has offered to support the central government with emergency teams, pending a thorough assessment of the situation on the ground.
A flight carrying emergency personnel from the Military Emergency Unit is being sent to Caracas, and the European Union has activated its Civil Protection mechanism to assist.
Cabello reported that there are approximately 55,000 Canarians living in Venezuela and around 90,000 Venezuelans residing in the Canary Islands. He expressed concerns about difficulties in obtaining accurate information regarding casualties, especially in the heavily affected areas of Caracas and La Guaira.
He emphasised the importance of caution and patience, announcing an extraordinary government council meeting scheduled for Friday at 12:30 PM to evaluate the situation with the relevant departments.
While there are currently no confirmed reports of Canarian victims, Cabello revealed there is significant anxiety since many people are unable to contact family and friends in the region.
He also highlighted ongoing fears due to aftershocks and the condition of the area’s infrastructure, with some regions lacking electricity and facing internet access issues.
Cabello stated that the Canarian centres in Venezuela represent the largest support network on the ground, with many willing to provide accommodation if necessary.
He concluded that the government is committed to carefully assessing the situation to ensure effective assistance while minimising disruption to communities in Venezuela.
