Ottawa, June 26 -- Canada has announced an initial C$5 million in humanitarian assistance to support emergency relief efforts in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes that have caused widespread destruction and significant loss of life.

The latest assistance comes in addition to nearly C$4.5 million in humanitarian funding that Canada allocated earlier this year to address ongoing needs in Venezuela.

She said Canada remains engaged with regional partners and humanitarian organisations and will continue assessing needs as the situation evolves.

Sarai described the destruction as "heartbreaking" and said Canada's immediate response is focused on meeting the most urgent humanitarian needs while exploring additional ways to assist th...