President Sheikh Mohammed directs urgent aid to Venezuela/Photo – File
As rescue teams race against time to find survivors under collapsed buildings in Venezuela, the United Arab Emirates has come forward with an emergency humanitarian package worth 10 million dirhams to support relief efforts in the stricken country.The approval of this funding came under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, which confirms the UAE’s long-term commitment to providing rapid humanitarian assistance during global emergencies.The announcement comes as Venezuela struggles to recover from two powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck within seconds of each other on June 24, flattening neighborhoods, damaging critical infrastructure and causing one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in more than a century. The official death toll has risen to more than 920 people, while more than 3,300 people have been injured. Thousands remain displaced, hundreds are believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings, and authorities estimate tens of thousands are still missing as rescue operations continue.
The UAE provides humanitarian aid worth 10 million dirhams
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced emergency assistance.The Ministry said in an official statement that this financial support came under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, to help those affected by the devastating earthquake.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the UAE “expresses its solidarity with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and its people” in the wake of the disaster, and affirms the country’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid to communities affected by natural disasters around the world.The Ministry also extended its sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and wished a speedy recovery to all those injured in the disaster.
Earthquakes leave Venezuela reeling
The disaster unfolded when two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela just seconds apart, with the coastal state of La Guaira sustaining the worst of the devastation.Entire residential buildings, hotels and public buildings collapsed, while roads, hospitals and utility networks suffered severe damage. Rescue workers, volunteers and local residents are digging through mountains of rubble in search of survivors, often using only basic tools due to a lack of heavy rescue equipment.Authorities say thousands of families have been forced from their homes, and temporary shelters have been set up throughout the affected areas. International search and rescue teams and humanitarian agencies have also begun arriving to support local efforts as aftershocks continue to hamper operations.
The UAE promotes humanitarian leadership
The relief package for Venezuela is the latest example of the UAE’s active humanitarian diplomacy.Over the years, the country has responded to earthquakes, floods, conflicts and other humanitarian emergencies across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas with emergency funding, relief supplies, medical assistance and reconstruction support.Officials say humanitarian work remains a fundamental pillar of the UAE’s foreign policy, guided by the values of solidarity, compassion and international cooperation.By approving AED 10 million in emergency aid to Venezuela, President Sheikh Mohammed once again affirmed the UAE’s commitment to standing by countries facing humanitarian crises, regardless of distance or geography.As search operations continue and humanitarian losses increase, the UAE’s contribution is expected to support urgent relief efforts and help affected communities begin the long recovery process.
