Canada prepares to send aid to those hit by Venezuelan earthquakes

Playing null of undefined

‘Earthquakes of this magnitude don’t happen very frequently’: Seismologist on Venezuela earthquakes

7.1-magnitude earthquake hits Venezuela, destroys buildings and houses

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney says Ottawa will be sending some amount of humanitarian aid to support Venezuelans following what he calls “catastrophic earthquakes” overnight.

In a statement, Carney expresses his condolences to the injured, dead and displaced and says Canada is preparing to deliver humanitarian assistance “in the days and weeks ahead.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says the suffering is “heartbreaking” and “many are facing unbearable days ahead without shelter, food or certainty.”

Global Affairs Canada officials are in touch with regional partners and aid groups, Anand says, and Canada will “contribute to humanitarian efforts as appropriate.”

Canada and Venezuela have not formally severed relations but Ottawa closed its Caracas embassy in June 2019 after Venezuela refused to renew expiring visas for diplomats.

Canada is one of several countries supporting Venezuelan opposition leaders following an election that was widely viewed as stolen.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2026.

Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press