Miguel Albuquerque, President of the Regional Government, urged those wishing to donate money to help the communities affected by last week’s earthquakes in Venezuela to make their contributions to a special account set up by the Red Cross. He explained that depositing funds into this account is the most reliable way to ensure aid quickly reaches those directly impacted. Albuquerque made this appeal on Wednesday afternoon during a flower-laying ceremony at the Monument to Autonomy on Avenida do Mar.
In statements to CMTV, Albuquerque said he’s been closely following developments in Venezuela, especially the situation of emigrants, through contact with counsellors from the Madeiran communities. From these conversations, he’s learned that the situation in La Guaira is very complicated. In the city’s central area, around 200 buildings have been destroyed, thousands of lives have been lost, and the health situation is worsening as people are living among the ruins because most of the buildings are damaged.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff of the President of the Government, Rui Abreu, left this morning for Venezuela. It should take a day and a half to arrive, and once on the ground, he will be supported by Madeira community advisors.
Albuquerque mentioned that the Regional Government boosted emergency support funds for Venezuelan associations by 150 thousand euros. He noted that “the United States has played a very important role” and that he personally spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the situation. “They have sent significant support. Interestingly, Israel, once thought to be hostile toward Venezuela, has also provided substantial aid, especially during the rescue efforts. However, the reconstruction costs will be enormous.
Finally, the President of the Regional Government regretted that the joint force of Madeira and the Azores did not continue its journey with the national contingent, due to a decision made on mainland Portugal. However, he did not criticise the option taken and was even sympathetic to it: “I think that it was a logistical issue. It was not a matter of ill will. I don’t believe it in this. We had everything prepared. We have made available the forces, and we remain available for whatever is needed.”
The death toll currently stands at 2,295.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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