Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade supporting ‘small number’ of Aussies in Venezuela earthquake aftermath

Australians caught up in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela are receiving consular support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as the number of casualties continues to climb.

The devastating earthquakes have so far claimed 235 lives and injured more than 4300.

A 7.1-magnitude quake shook the country on Wednesday, closely followed by a more powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake.

A DFAT spokesman confirmed on Friday it was “providing consular support to a small number of Australians” affected by the quakes.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Venezuela and all those affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela,” the spokesman said.

“Australian officials remain in close contact with local authorities, governments and partners.”

Australia does not have an embassy in Venezuela, making DFAT’s ability to provide assistance very limited.

But federal governments worldwide — including Australia — have mobilised funds for humanitarian support through the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund.

Governments and humanitarian organisations have also begun to send rescue teams and other aid to the South American country as clean-up efforts continue.

Rescue crews are searching for people trapped among the rubble of collapsed buildings in the capital city of Caracas and neighbouring state La Guaira, as hospitals are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people needing life-saving and other treatment.

The Australian Red Cross has also carved out a portion of its Global Emergency Fund to provide direct support to communities impacted by the earthquakes.

All donations to the fund until July 31 will go directly towards supporting the Venezuelan earthquake response.