The EU is allocating 20 million euros in humanitarian aid following the earthquakes in Venezuela

The European Union is to allocate a further 10 million euros in humanitarian aid to support the communities in Venezuela hardest hit by the recent earthquakes.

The remaining 10 million euros, subject to approval by the budgetary authority, will be used to support search and rescue operations, medical teams and other specialist equipment, in addition to the in-kind aid already deployed in the country.

The announcement coincides with the visit to Venezuela byHadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Crisis Preparedness and Management, as a sign of the EU’s unwavering support for the country in the face of this crisis.

The Commissioner will meet tomorrow in Caracas with EU-funded humanitarian aid partners and the local authorities coordinating the emergency response, as well as with one of the European medical teams deployed through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

The aid announced on 15 July is in addition to the €5 million in emergency aid already approved at the end of June and the €52 million allocated at the start of the year to address the humanitarian consequences of the socio-economic crisis in Venezuela. EU humanitarian aid is channelled exclusively through partners such as United Nations agencies and international NGOs, which work alongside local partners.

Furthermore, as part of the EU humanitarian airlift launched in June, two EU-funded flights have already landed in Venezuela, bringing with them almost 80 tonnes of essential supplies.

Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, around 750 relief workers and experts, as well as relief supplies, have been mobilised from 18 countries. This includes rescue teams, medicines, shelters and a satellite telecommunications platform.The EU’s Copernicus satellite servicehasalsoprovided emergency maps.

“Venezuela may be on the other side of the ocean, but the Venezuelan people hold a special place in our hearts. From the very first hours after the earthquakes, the European Union has stood by their side,”said Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, ahead of her visit. “And we are stepping up our support. This new funding will help provide food, drinking water, medicines, shelter and other vital aid to families who have lost everything. I would like to thank the emergency teams who have been working day and night, rescuing survivors from the rubble and bringing hope when it was most needed.”

For further information: European Commission