THE Scottish Government has provided aid for Venezuela as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) send members to assist after devastating earthquakes in the region.
Two earthquakes struck Venezuela in quick succession last Wednesday causing significant loss of life and severe damage to homes and infrastructure.
Funding from the Scottish Government of £250,000 will be given to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to support access to shelter, food, water and medical care in the worst affected areas.
International Development Minister Simita Kumar said that Scotland has a “proud tradition” of standing with communities in their “darkest hour”.
She said: “My heart goes out to everyone in Venezuela who has lost their loved ones or their home in the wake of these devastating earthquakes. The scale of suffering is immense, and I am deeply concerned for everyone caught up in the crisis, including the hundreds of thousands of children who most urgently need support.
“Scotland has a proud tradition of standing with communities in their darkest hours and will play its part in supporting the international humanitarian effort in Venezuela. This funding will help get vital assistance to those who need it most.”
Venezuela’s National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez said on Tuesday that the death toll has risen to more than 1700 people, with more than 5000 others injured.
Addressing state television, he also said tens of thousands of people are still missing.
Three Scottish Fire and Rescue Service firefighters are part of a 68 person team from the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services being deployed to Venezuela to provide specialist technical expertise where it is needed most during search and rescue operations.
Crew commander Ian Hodgson, based in Aberdeen, and Firefighter Brian Richards from Dundee, are joined by station commander Gavin Brown, Prevention Directorate, based in the Perth & Kinross, Angus and Dundee area.
Andrew Watt, SFRS deputy chief officer said: “Our thoughts are with the people and communities of Venezuela who have been affected by these devastating earthquakes.
“Working alongside colleagues from across the UK, our firefighters will play a crucial role in delivering a coordinated, highly skilled response.
“Their professionalism and dedication reflect the very best of our service.”
SFRS group commander Andy Buchan is the UK ISAR team manager in Scotland. He added: “Our firefighters will bring specialist skills and equipment to support the international rescue efforts in extremely challenging conditions.”
