Queen Sofía donates €20,000 after deadly Venezuela earthquake as Spain rallies aid

Countries around the world awoke today to the devastating news of the twin earthquakes that struck several regions of Venezuela. So far, authorities have confirmed the deaths of at least 164 people, while nearly 1,000 others remain missing, according to preliminary reports.

The tragedy has prompted Spain to express its solidarity with the South American nation, beginning with a message from the Royal Household and followed shortly afterward by heartfelt remarks from Queen Letizia. 

Queen Sofía has also shown her support through a deeply compassionate humanitarian gesture.

The royal family shows solidarity:

“Spain has offered its assistance,” Queen Letizia said just hours after the two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, devastated parts of Venezuela.

© Mark Cuthbert

Following the Queen’s remarks, the Queen Sofía Foundation, at the request of King Felipe VI’s mother, activated emergency aid through the Red Cross, making an initial donation of €20,000 to support humanitarian relief efforts for those affected by the disaster.

The foundation also confirmed that it is working to send essential medications, along with other emergency supplies needed to respond to the crisis caused by the earthquakes.

© Anadolu

The gesture once again highlights Queen Sofía’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian work through her foundation, which focuses on providing assistance to those most in need.

Her contribution follows the lead of the Royal Household, which issued a statement expressing its full support for the Venezuelan people before Queen Letizia addressed the media.

© JUAN BARRETO

“Our full support goes to the people of Venezuela following the tragedy caused by the two earthquakes that have struck the country. We want to express our solidarity, our affection, and our strength to all those injured and to the communities affected by this disaster. We share in the grief of the victims’ families,” the Royal Household said in its statement.

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The royal response is being carried out in close coordination with the Spanish government as part of broader efforts to provide effective humanitarian assistance.

Emergency relief efforts underway:

As Queen Letizia explained, Spain is currently “waiting for the full operation to be organized so that we can continue collaborating in the coming weeks.” The immediate priority remains saving as many lives as possible.

© Edilzon Gamez

According to Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 68 Spanish citizens have been confirmed among the dead, although Queen Letizia stressed that the figures remain provisional, noting that “these are crucial hours as rescue teams continue trying to find many people alive.”

Queen Sofía’s initial €20,000 donation is intended to strengthen the immediate humanitarian response on the ground while helping restore essential services in the hardest-hit areas as recovery efforts continue.