Canary Island Councils Offer Aid to Venezuela After Devastating Earthquakes

Upon learning of the magnitude of the earthquakes that have shaken northern Venezuela, causing over 160 fatalities and hundreds of injuries, the Canary Islands' island councils have responded by offering their support. La Palma and El Hierro were the first corporations to publicly express their consternation and solidarity.

The Council of La Palma conveyed through its social media channels its "full solidarity, strength, and support" to the island and the Venezuelan people, acknowledging the "force of nature" and the value of resilience. The corporation extended its condolences to the victims' families and encouragement to the rescue teams.

For its part, the president of the Council of El Hierro, Alpidio Armas, expressed his concern and highlighted ongoing contact with the Herreño community residing in Venezuela to understand their needs. "We are following the events with sadness and concern," he stated, adding that the institution will expedite aid designated for this community in light of the emergency.

In Tenerife, home to the largest Venezuelan community in the Canary Islands, the Council's president, Rosa Dávila, placed all available resources at the disposal of the Government of the Canary Islands. Dávila conveyed the solidarity and condolences of the people of Tenerife, expressing "total willingness to help and support" and lamenting that the true scope of the tragedy might exceed the initial figures.

The Council of Gran Canaria, through its president, Antonio Morales, also announced its collaboration in the recovery of affected areas and in assisting those in need. Morales affirmed that "Gran Canaria's solidarity is always with the Venezuelan people," recalling the "special relationship" between Venezuela and the Canary Islands. He indicated that "thousands of deaths" are anticipated and that recovery efforts will be needed for "one of the poorest areas of Venezuela."