Singapore Donates US$50,000 To Venezuela After Deadly Earthquakes

By Anas Abu Hassan

SINGAPORE, July 8 (NNN) -- The Singapore government contributed US$50,000 (US$1=RM4.07) in humanitarian aid to Venezuela following the recent earthquakes, which have claimed more than 3,500 lives to date.

Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan said the fund was channelled to the Venezuela Recovery and Reconstruction Fund established by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.

"Singapore stands with the people of Venezuela during this difficult time.

"Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured, and the many communities working to recover and rebuild," he posted on Facebook on Wednesday.

Balakrishnan also called on the public who wish to contribute to do so through the Singapore Red Cross.

"The Singapore Red Cross has also pledged S$100,000 (S$1=RM3.15) in humanitarian aid and launched a public fundraising appeal to support communities affected by the earthquakes.

"In times of tragedy, the support and solidarity of the international community matter," he added.

On June 24, two major earthquakes struck Venezuela, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, making them among the strongest to hit the country in more than a century.

--NNN-BERNAMA