Venezuelan gov’t approves humanitarian aid to Grenada

Xinhua, 12 September 2004

CARACAS, Sept. 11 (Xinhuanet)—The Venezuelan government approved on Saturday 1 million US dollars in humanitarian relief for Grenada, where at least 24 people were killed and 90 percent of houses damaged by Hurricane Ivan.

Minister of Communication and Information Andres Izarra said the Venezuelan government will provide, in cooperation with Jamaica and Cuba, possible humanitarian assistance depending on the effects of Ivan in those Caribbean countries.

Izarra indicated that the government will send rescue and first-aid teams to Grenada soon.

Within 24 hours, a technical-evaluation team aboard a ship of the Venezuelan navy will sail to Grenada with food, water, blankets, tents and construction material, the minister said.

Two other naval vessels loaded with relief aid are ready to join the rescue work in the Caribbean, especially in Jamaica and Cuba.

“Depending on the effects of the hurricane, Venezuela will extend its humanitarian help,” to be financed by the “Special Fundof Aid for the Caribbean, which seeks to support development in the Caribbean, a strategic zone to us,” Izarra added.

Ivan passed through the Venezuelan coast on Tuesday and Thursday, leaving five people dead, more than 80 injured and 1,770homeless, the Civil Protection Organization said.

Izarra said the government approved 3.12 million dollars to help Venezuelans affected by the hurricane.