President Sheikh Mohamed directs emergency aid for Venezuela

President Sheikh Mohamed directs emergency aid for Venezuela / Image - file As rescue teams race against time to find survivors beneath collapsed buildings in Venezuela, the United Arab Emirates has stepped forward with an emergency humanitarian package worth Dh10 million to support relief efforts in the disaster-stricken country. The funding was approved under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscoring the UAE's long-standing commitment to providing rapid humanitarian assistance during global emergencies. The announcement comes as Venezuela struggles to recover from two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 that struck within seconds of each other on June 24, flattening neighbourhoods, damaging critical infrastructure and triggering one of the country's deadliest natural disasters in more than a century. The official death toll has risen to more than 920, while over 3,300 people have been injured. Thousands remain displaced, hundreds are believed to be trapped beneath collapsed buildings and authorities estimate that tens of thousands are still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue. UAE's Dh10m humanitarian support The emergency assistance was announced by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). In an official statement, the Ministry said the financial support was allocated under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to help those affected by the devastating earthquake. MoFA said the UAE "expresses 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 also extended its sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to everyone 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 suffering the worst destruction. Entire apartment blocks, hotels and public buildings collapsed, while roads, hospitals and utility networks sustained extensive damage. Rescue workers, volunteers and local residents have been digging through mountains of rubble in search of survivors, often using only basic tools because of a shortage of heavy rescue equipment. Authorities say thousands of families have been forced from their homes, with temporary shelters established across the affected regions. International search-and-rescue teams and humanitarian agencies have also begun arriving to support local efforts as aftershocks continue to hamper operations. UAE reinforces humanitarian leadership The Venezuela relief package 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 through emergency funding, relief supplies, medical assistance and reconstruction support. 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 assistance for Venezuela, President Sheikh Mohamed has once again reinforced the UAE's commitment to standing alongside 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 urgent relief efforts and help affected communities begin the long process of recovery. End of Article