Andorra Approves €20,000 Aid for Venezuela Earthquake Victims

The Andorran government has approved a 20,000-euro contribution to Càritas Andorrana to address the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes on 24 June. The funds, allocated under the Principality's international cooperation and emergency aid programme on 8 July, will reach vulnerable populations through Càritas Internacional and its local network in Venezuela.

Foreign Affairs Minister Imma Tor announced the aid ahead of a mass held on Friday at the Sant Esteve church in Andorra la Vella, organised by the Associació de Residents i Empatitzants de Veneçuela al Principat d'Andorra (AREVPA), the Bishopric of Urgell, the Church of the Valls d'Andorra, and the Confraria de Nostra Senyora de Fàtima. The event, presided over by Episcopal Co-Prince Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat, served as a tribute to the victims, the injured, the missing, and rescue workers, while expressing solidarity with affected families and the Venezuelan community in Andorra.

Tor described Càritas as a "reliable organisation" with an active presence on the ground, ensuring resources target priority needs such as healthcare, hospitals, and water access. She noted the earthquakes have caused nearly 4,000 deaths, over 16,000 injuries, and left around 18,000 people homeless, creating a clear humanitarian emergency. While no Andorran nationals or Principality residents have been reported directly affected, several Venezuelan families in Andorra have lost relatives or have loved ones impacted.

Càritas Andorrana president Anna Maria Villas reported the organisation has already sent 25,000 euros from its own funds as initial emergency aid and raised 17,000 euros through private donations via local banks and the Bizum solidarity line (07399). A collection during Friday's mass is expected to boost the total further. Villas stressed the ongoing needs—"everything is required, from reconstruction to healthcare"—and emphasised that disasters like this demand long-term support.

Serrano Pentinat highlighted the mass as an act of closeness and support for Venezuela, with special remembrance for the deceased, the unrecovered, and local Venezuelans grieving losses. Tor reiterated the government's focus on humanitarian relief, avoiding comment on Venezuelan authorities' response, and affirmed the modest aid aims to ease daily hardships for those affected.