Jersey has committed a quarter-of-a-million pounds in emergency aid to earthquake-stricken Venezuela, as the Island’s response to the deadly natural disasters continues to gather pace following a fundraising campaign sparked by the death of a former local café worker.

Jersey Overseas Aid this morning announced £250,000 of humanitarian funding to support relief efforts after two powerful earthquakes devastated north-central Venezuela last month.

The package includes £150,000 for the British Red Cross and £100,000 for Save the Children, with the charities set to provide emergency shelter, clean water, food, medical supplies and other life-saving assistance to thousands of families affected by the disaster.

The announcement comes little more than a week after St Helier barber Mariano Ferreira launched an appeal after his brother Javier – a former employee at La Petite Baguette who had hoped to return to Jersey – was among those killed in the earthquakes.

Islander from Venezuela launches aid appeal after his brother was tragically killed in the earthquakes
Pictured: Mariano Ferreira (on the left), his brother Javier (in the middle), and them both together (on the right) Credit: Mariano Ferreira

Since then, Mariano’s appeal has received such an overwhelming response that he has stopped accepting further donations after raising almost €5,000 and filling collections with clothing, food and essential supplies.

The aid is due to be shipped to Venezuela in the coming days.

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck on 24 June, causing catastrophic damage across Caracas and the coastal states of La Guaira, Miranda and Carabobo.

More than 3,000 dead

JOA said more than 3,300 people had now been confirmed dead, with thousands more injured or displaced as rescue teams continue searching collapsed buildings. Critical infrastructure has also been badly damaged, worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation caused by Venezuela’s prolonged economic crisis.

International Development Minister Carolyn Labey, who chairs JOA, said the Island’s “thoughts are with the people of Venezuela as they face the aftermath of this devastating earthquake”.

“Jersey’s support will help ensure that vital aid reaches those who need it most, reflecting our Island’s commitment to global solidarity by helping those affected by humanitarian crises such as this,” she continued.

“We also extend our deepest sympathies to Islanders who have family and friends impacted by this disaster.”

Aid to be channelled through charities

The commission said it had continued to monitor the rapidly evolving situation through its international humanitarian partners before confirming the funding package.

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The aid will be channelled through the British Red Cross and Save the Children, two organisations already working alongside the wider international relief effort on the ground.

It comes after Mr Ferreira shared harrowing footage recorded by his surviving relatives as they escaped a collapsing apartment block, as he told Express about his appeal for special immigration measures to allow family members left homeless by the disaster to remain in Jersey.

Jersey Customs and Immigration Service has confirmed it is in discussions with UK Home Office officials to understand whether any additional immigration measures may be available for those affected by the earthquakes.

JOA said it would continue to monitor developments closely and review further information from humanitarian organisations as relief efforts continue.