China to send 100 million RMB to aid Venezuela earthquake victims

The Chinese government has announced it will provide humanitarian aid totalling 100 million RMB (approximately Rp224 billion) to support victims of the earthquake in Venezuela, including for reconstruction efforts. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated in Beijing on Monday that the government decided to provide emergency supplies worth 100 million RMB, which will be dispatched to Venezuela immediately to support disaster response and reconstruction. Venezuela was struck by two powerful earthquakes on Wednesday afternoon, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, occurring just 39 seconds apart. As of Sunday, President of the National Assembly Jorge Rodriguez reported that the death toll had reached 1,450, with more than 3,150 people injured and 12,721 displaced or affected by the disaster. Guo Jiakun noted that President Xi Jinping had sent a message of sympathy to Acting President Delcy Rodríguez regarding the disaster. China has also provided satellite imagery of the affected areas to support disaster relief operations. Additionally, Chinese companies and overseas Chinese associations in Venezuela have voluntarily donated machinery and much-needed medical supplies, and have formed rescue teams to actively search for survivors. China is ready to provide further support as disaster relief efforts continue. It is known that two Chinese nationals were among the dead. On Friday, President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence expressing deep sorrow for those who died in the earthquake and sincere sympathy to the bereaved families and the injured. Xi stated that China is willing to provide assistance to Venezuela in disaster relief and reconstruction, expressing confidence that under the leadership of the Venezuelan government, the people will overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes in the near future. In the latest developments, around 25,000 rescue personnel, military members, police, civil protection teams, the Red Cross, and various humanitarian organisations have been deployed to save as many victims as possible. A total of 2,624 international rescue personnel are also assisting in the response, supported by 137 sniffer dogs and 49 support vehicles. The 7.5 magnitude earthquake was centred approximately 23 kilometres southeast of Yumare in Yaracuy state, while the 7.2 magnitude quake occurred about 23.9 kilometres northeast of San Felipe, also in Yaracuy state, according to the United States Geological Survey.