Canary Islands Hold Memorials for Victims of Deadly Venezuelan Earthquake
The Canary Islands are holding memorial services for victims of the devastating Venezuelan earthquake, which has claimed nearly 3,000 lives and left thousands displaced as international calls for aid and sanctions relief grow.
The recent earthquake in Venezuela has deeply affected the Canary Islands, a region with strong historical and cultural ties to the South American country. As the Venezuelan community in the islands mourns, they have received significant support from local institutions and the public.
On Sunday, regional leaders, including President Fernando Clavijo, joined members of the public at the Cathedral of La Laguna for a memorial service organized by the Venezuelan Consulate. A second service is scheduled for this Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the El Pilar parish in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. These events highlight the close bond between the two regions, where the Venezuelan diaspora remains a vital part of the community.
The humanitarian situation in Venezuela remains dire. Ten days after the earthquakes struck the central coast, the death toll has reached nearly 3,000, with over 16,500 people injured. More than 16,300 people have lost their homes, and 79 temporary camps have been set up to house over 10,700 victims. In total, more than 86,000 families have required assistance.
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that 35 Spanish citizens have died in the disaster. Search efforts continue for 140 missing people, while 11 individuals have been found in the rubble. Amidst this crisis, acting president Delcy Rodríguez has called on the international community to lift sanctions against the country, arguing that doing so would help streamline disaster relief and reconstruction efforts.