The European Commission is deploying rescue teams and other types of emergency aid in Venezuela following the two strong earthquakes on June 24 that have caused numerous casualties.
To date, eight member states (Czech Republic, Spain, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Germany, Portugal, and the Netherlands) are sending aid through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
The president Ursula von der Leyen has stated that “in these moments of great tragedy and disaster, we stand by the people of Venezuela. I thank all member states for their solidarity and promptness in sending firefighters, rescue dogs, medical personnel, and other forms of aid. Venezuela is not alone.”
To date, more than 520 personnel from the eight member states have been mobilized as part of this deployment. Italy is also sending a medical team and Luxembourg is mobilizing materials for shelters and telecommunications and energy equipment.
To support this response, the EU’s Copernicus satellite service has been activated in emergency mapping mode. The mapping component of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) uses satellite imagery and other geospatial data to provide a free mapping service in cases of natural disasters or man-made disasters worldwide. The EU is ready to provide further assistance as needs on the ground evolve.
In October 2001, the Commission created the Union Civil Protection Mechanism to improve prevention, preparedness, and response to disasters worldwide. Any country affected by a disaster, both in Europe and outside it, can request emergency assistance through the mechanism. The Commission plays a key role in coordinating disaster response and contributing to the operational and transportation costs of deployments.
Venezuela is one of the main recipients of European humanitarian aid in Latin America. This year, the EU has allocated up to 52 million euros to address the humanitarian consequences of the socioeconomic crisis in Venezuela. EU humanitarian aid is channeled solely through humanitarian partners, such as United Nations agencies and international NGOs, which collaborate with local partners.
