Malta to donate €140,000 to Venezuela following catastrophic earthquakes

Malta will donate €140,000 in emergency humanitarian aid to Venezuela after a pair of catastrophic earthquakes devastated the South American nation last week, killing more than 1,700 people and injuring at least 5,000.

Foreign Affairs Minister Chris Fearne announced the donation in parliament on Tuesday, saying the money was a gesture of international aid to support the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

"I can today announce that after last week's earthquakes in Venezuela, where thousands of prople died or were left homeless, this government will - as a sign of solidarity - be donating €140,000 for humanitarian aid," Fearne told parliament.

The funding is aimed at providing relief in the wake of the June 24 disaster, which saw two massive earthquakes strike north-central Venezuela just seconds apart.

Measuring magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, the twin quakes shattered homes and infrastructure across several states, including the capital, Caracas. The second tremor was confirmed as the strongest earthquake recorded in Venezuela in more than a century.

The human toll continues to climb rapidly as rescue teams navigate collapsed infrastructure, blocked transport networks, and severe telecommunications blackouts.

The quakes likely damaged or destroyed 58,870 buildings, according to a preliminary assessment of satellite data published by NASA.

Hospital networks in the hardest-hit areas remain completely overwhelmed by thousands of injured people, facing severe shortages of power, clean water and medical supplies.

The Maltese government’s financial contribution will be funnelled through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The funds are intended to bolster ongoing emergency operations on the ground, supporting humanitarian networks as they deliver urgent shelter, medical care, and basic provisions to the displaced families.