Venezuela Earthquakes
Debate between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Baroness Bi
Baroness Bi
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the scale of humanitarian need in Venezuela following the earthquakes on 24 June; and what (1) immediate, and (2) long-term, support they intend to provide in addition to the £2 million UK aid match contribution to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Venezuela earthquake appeal.
The Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Baroness Chapman of Darlington) (Lab)
My Lords, we extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Millions have been affected, with thousands of fatalities and over 16,000 injured. The UK has responded rapidly, mobilising a £5.8 million humanitarian package, including UK international search and rescue, emergency medical team support and humanitarian experts. We have also aid-matched £2 million to the DEC appeal and continue to support British nationals.
Baroness Bi (Lab)
I thank my noble friend the Minister for her reply and for the generosity and speed of the response shown by the department. As vice-chair of the Disasters Emergency Committee, I am delighted to say that the Venezuela earthquake appeal has now raised £12 million, including £2 million of the aid match to which the Minister refered; that is a credit to the generosity of both the UK public and the Government. Can the Minister confirm that the Government will continue to respond to the needs of the survivors of the earthquake, nearly 40% of whom are homeless and facing disease in a disaster where, as of today, 3,800 people are known to have died and an estimated 50,000 are still missing?
Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)
My noble friend is right—this is a truly devastating situation, and its true extent is yet to be revealed. The United Kingdom will, of course, play its part in supporting those who are displaced, those who have been separated from their loved ones and those who are unable to continue with their livelihood or access health services, particularly maternal health services, in the current situation.