Canada is sending $5 million in initial humanitarian aid to Venezuela following a series of catastrophic earthquakes.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the assistance Thursday, calling the situation a "fast-developing tragedy." The aid is in response to what Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, confirmed are 589 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries.
The twin 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck Wednesday evening, with the state of La Guaira hardest hit and now under military control. Rodríguez stated crews are working tirelessly to rescue trapped survivors.
Global Affairs Canada confirms there are 740 Canadians registered in Venezuela but reports no Canadian casualties. The earthquakes are among the strongest to hit the region in over a century.
