As rescue teams work hard to find survivors beneath collapsed buildings in Venezuela, the United Arab Emirates has stepped forward with a Dh10 million emergency humanitarian package to support relief efforts in the disaster-hit country.The funding was approved under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscoring 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 earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that struck within seconds of each other on June 24, devastating surrounding areas, damaging critical infrastructure and sparking one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in more than a century. The official death toll has reached more than 920, while more than 3,300 people have been injured. Thousands of people have been displaced, hundreds are believed to be trapped under collapsed buildings and officials estimate thousands are still missing as rescue operations continue.
UAE’s Dh10m humanitarian support
The emergency aid was announced by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).In an official statement, the ministry said the financial assistance was allocated under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to help those affected by the devastating earthquake.MOFA said the UAE “expressed its solidarity with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and its people” following the disaster and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to communities affected by natural disasters around the world.The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished speedy recovery to all those injured in the disaster.
Venezuela shaken by earthquake
The disaster unfolded when two powerful earthquakes just seconds apart struck northern Venezuela, with the coastal state of La Guaira causing the most destruction.Entire apartment blocks, hotels and public buildings collapsed, while roads, hospitals and utility networks suffered extensive damage. Rescue workers, volunteers and local residents are digging through mountains of debris in search of survivors, often using only basic equipment due to the lack of heavy rescue equipment.Officials say thousands of families have been forced from their homes, with temporary shelters set up in affected areas. International search and rescue teams and humanitarian aid agencies have also begun arriving to support local efforts as operations continue to be hampered by the earthquake’s aftershocks.
UAE strengthens humanitarian leadership
The Venezuela relief package is the latest example of the UAE’s proactive humanitarian diplomacy.Over the past few years, the country has responded to earthquakes, floods, conflicts and other humanitarian emergencies in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas through emergency funding, relief supplies, medical aid and reconstruction assistance.Officials say humanitarian action remains a central pillar of the UAE’s foreign policy, guided by the values of solidarity, compassion and international cooperation.By approving Dh10 million in emergency aid for Venezuela, President Sheikh Mohammed has once again reinforced the UAE’s commitment to stand with countries facing humanitarian crises, regardless of distance or geography.As search operations continue and the humanitarian toll grows, the UAE’s contribution is expected to support immediate relief efforts and help affected communities begin the long process of recovery.