Portugal maintains support for those affected by the earthquake in Venezuela

Portugal reaffirmed saturday the commitment to continue to support the lusos and venezuelans affected by the double earthquake of 24 june, until the total recovery.

“The goal is, as we were the first to arrive, to be the last to leave. We always support the Portuguese and Portuguese-venezuelan community affected, but also, of course, the Venezuelan people affected by this terrible tragedy, which is a brother people,” Lusa told the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Portugal in Caracas.

Ruben Guedes Dias spoke to the Lusa Agency in Cátia La Mar, La Guaira, within the framework of another full day of service, organized by diplomatic representation, in collaboration with the Central University of Venezuela (UCV), the Portuguese Ladies' Beneficence Society and the Luso-venezuelan Centre of Cátia La Mar.

“More than a thousand people have been supported through these journeys. In addition to today’s [saturday] journey, thanks to the support of the Camões Institute, we made a new donation of 80 [personal] hygiene kits and 80 school kits in the only school [‘Escolania’ de Meninos Cantores de La Guaira] that is currently functional here in Cátia La Mar”, said.

Guedes Dias also explained that the Central University of Venezuela provides internal medical attention, dentists, psychologists and legal advisors for the day; and Portuguese associations and the Luso-venezuelan Center of Cátia La Mar provide animation, Portuguese classes for children, as well as food and drinks.

“ In all support actions, and, considering all support from both Portuguese and Portuguese organizations, we have already exceeded more than EUR 4 million in direct support, we are talking about a considerable number of people supported,” said the diplomat, who invited “all people to contribute as they can” and to leave “a message of solidarity from the Portuguese people to the Venezuelan people.”.

The double earthquake of June 24 caused serious damage to infrastructure, wounded and fatalities in seven states of Venezuela: Caracas, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, Lara, Yaracuy and La Guaira, the latter the most affected.

According to the latest updated review released by the authorities, 6,509 people died and 226,696 injured were assisted in Venezuelan hospitals after earthquakes.

Among the fatalities, there are at least 138 Portuguese and Portuguese.