OTTAWA - Canada is providing Venezuela an initial $5 million in humanitarian assistance funding to support emergency relief efforts after two powerful earthquakes struck Wednesday evening.
“The funds will 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 federal government announced Thursday.
In a separate release, Global Affairs Canada said that the department is not aware of any Canadian citizens who have been affected by the earthquakes, though “there are currently 740 Canadians registered as being in Venezuela.”
Officials said this number was “only an estimate” of Canadians in the region, as registration to the Canadians abroad system is voluntary and could include individuals who registered but did not travel.
“Consular officials stand ready to provide assistance and are in contact with local authorities,” the statement said, asking any Canadians who may be in need to contact Global Affairs Canada.
Rescue crews are continuing to comb through the rubble of collapsed buildings to search for survivors after a pair of earthquakes struck near the northern coast of the country. The first - a magnitude 7.2 - was followed less than a minute later by a second - a magnitude 7.5 - the strongest in more than a century.
At the time of Canada’s aid announcement was made, Reuters reported the death toll had reached 188, with fears the number could reach into the thousands. A crowd-sourced list indicated more than 35,000 people were unaccounted for.
In a country with already fragile infrastructure and ongoing economic and political turmoil, rescue efforts are challenging. The interim government has declared a state of emergency and is calling for unity from the international community, in the face of the disaster.
Describing the situation as a “fast developing tragedy” Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed earlier on Thursday at a press conference, that Canada would be providing humanitarian aid.
“We are working with our partners directly and we will scale things as appropriate to move forward,” he said, going on to note that it’s more challenging to assist on the ground and evacuate citizens in countries like Venezuela where Canada does not have an embassy.
“We’ve had to rely on allies and countries who aren’t our natural allies, to help us,” Carney said. “On one level, there’s very good reasons for that, but it means that we’re not fulfilling a basic responsibility as government, and we’re working through this… engagement is not endorsement.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre welcomed Carney’s aid commitment, telling reporters before the details were announced, that he hopes losses can be minimized. However, he avoided taking a position on the prime minister’s embassy comments.
“Obviously, our thoughts are with the Venezuelan people as they deal with this terrible natural disaster,” he said. “I know that Canadians will be there to support Venezuelans, and family members will be thinking of their loved ones in that country.”
In a news release, Federal officials said they will continue to monitor the situation and will assess “evolving needs over the coming days and weeks ahead as the needs become clearer.”
“An update will be provided with more information on the specific allocations of today’s announcement in the coming days.”
Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre can be reached by calling +1 613 996 8885, by text message at +1 613-686-3658, via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881, via Signal at +1-613-909-8087 or by e-mail at sos@international.gc.ca.
With files from CTV News’ Heather Wright and Reuters
