The UAE has pledged $10 million to support relief efforts in Venezuela after twin earthquakes killed hundreds of people and left thousands injured.
The urgent humanitarian drive ordered by President Sheikh Mohamed aims to provide essential support to communities affected by the powerful quakes, which caused widespread destruction.
The initiative, led by the UAE Aid Agency, aims to accelerate early recovery efforts and deliver aid including food and medical supplies.
The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes struck within a minute of each other on Wednesday evening, toppling buildings and severely damaging the country’s main international airport.
The Venezuelan government said 172 people remained trapped on Friday, 920 had died and 3,360 were injured after the quakes devastated parts of the capital, Caracas, and surrounding areas.
More than 50,000 people were reported missing. The ground shook once again on Friday afternoon – a weaker 4.9 tremor that was felt in Caracas and nearby Maracay.
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Twin earthquakes have destroyed buildings in areas of Venezuela including La Guaira. Getty Images -
A La Guaira resident assesses the damage, after the powerful quakes rocked the country. Reuters -
Rescue workers remove rubble as they search for survivors trapped under a collapsed building. Getty Images -
Venezuela's interim president Delcy Rodriguez, right, visits La Guaira. AFP -
Debris litters an area around a damaged building after the deadly earthquakes. Reuters -
Venezuelans have called for information about missing loved ones. Reuters -
Venezuelas search for survivors amid the rubble in La Guaira. Getty Images -
US estimates suggest up to 100,000 people could have been killed in the disaster. Getty Images -
Damaged buildings in La Guaira, which is among the areas hit hardest by the tremors. Getty Images -
A crowd gathers at a damaged shop in Catia La Mar. EPA -
Countries around the world have pledged to send aid and support to Venezuela. Getty Images -
Rescue workers gather at the site of a collapsed building in the capital Caracas. EPA -
Emergency teams remove rubble after the twin tremors. EPA -
The earthquakes have devastated La Guaira. Getty Images -
Venezuelans carry their belongings through Catia La Mar, about 30km north-west of Caracas. AFP
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez had earlier declared La Guaira to be a disaster zone, where more than 250 buildings were damaged.
The coastal region borders the capital Caracas and houses the Simon Bolivar International Airport, which suffered extensive damage. At least five other Venezuelan states have been affected.
Dr Tareq Al Ameri, chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, said the relief funding highlighted the UAE's leading role in responding to disasters and crises around the globe.
He said those affected by the deadly earthquakes were facing challenging living conditions and needed immediate support.
The UAE Aid Agency is co-ordinating with Venezuelan authorities and international organisations, he added, to ensure the swift delivery of food, medical assistance and shelter equipment to meet urgent humanitarian needs, and help alleviate the devastating impact of the earthquakes.
