King Charles and Queen Camilla have issued a message to the people of Venezuela after a double earthquake has killed nearly 1,000 people.
A British search and rescue team has been deployed to Venezuela. The team of 68 – made up of personnel from fire brigades across the country – left RAF Brize Norton on Friday along with six specialist search dogs and humanitarian staff.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “My thoughts are with the people of Venezuela following this week’s devastating earthquakes. The UK stands in solidarity with all those affected, particularly those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.”
View 2 ImagesSpecialist equipment was loaded onto a RAF Voyager at Brize Norton before flying to Venezuela today(Image: AS1 Christian Sparks/MoD Crown Copyright/PA Wire)
Heartbroken families have taken the search for missing loved ones into their own hands after claiming rescue teams are nowhere to be seen in the wake of two devastating earthquakes.
At least 920 people have died and thousands more left injured after Venezuela was rocked by two devastating earthquakes on Wednesday night – with the figure expected to rise significantly as around 50,000 remain missing. Over 8,000 people have been found alive.
The King and Queen’s message reads: “To the people of Venezuela, My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the devastating earthquakes that have struck your country, and of the tragic loss of life and suffering they have caused.
“At this most difficult of times, we send our profound sympathy to all those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods. Our special thoughts are with the injured, those awaiting news of family and friends, and the emergency responders working tirelessly to support those in desperate need.
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“We greatly admire the resilience and strength of the Venezuelan people and send our most heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this terrible tragedy.”
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