Tenerife Pledges €1 Million in Earthquake Relief for Venezuela

The Tenerife Island Council has pledged one million euros to support the people of Venezuela following a recent earthquake. This decision highlights the deep historical and social ties between the Canary Islands and the South American nation, as the funding aims to provide relief during a disaster that has worsened an already difficult economic and social crisis.

Lope Afonso, the island’s vice president and head of Foreign Action, emphasized that the council is prioritizing speed. To ensure aid is delivered quickly, the council is providing direct grants to established organizations already working on the ground. These partners include the Spanish Red Cross, Cáritas Diocesana of Tenerife, Bosco Global, the Canary Union Association of Venezuela, the Federation of Canary Entities in Venezuela (Fecave), the Spain Health Foundation, and the Hogar Canario Venezolano.

The funding will primarily cover the purchase of medicine, healthcare services, and essential supplies, as well as the logistics needed to reach the most vulnerable people. The council noted that it may adjust how these funds are distributed depending on how the situation develops and the needs identified by their partners on the ground.

This aid fulfills a previous agreement made by the Island Council and is part of its ongoing commitment to international cooperation. Given the large Canarian community living in Venezuela, the council is working through these trusted local networks to ensure that support is delivered as efficiently as possible during this complex emergency.