Banks DIH Limited has donated thousands of cases of bottled water and cartons of biscuits to support humanitarian relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged Venezuela, joining Guyana’s response to one of the deadliest natural disasters to strike the South American nation in more than a century.
The company announced on Thursday that it has contributed 2,400 cases of Rainforest Water and 7,560 cartons of Trisket Crackers and Biscuits for distribution to families affected by the June 24 earthquakes.
The relief supplies were handed over to the Civil Defence Commission on July 1 for onward delivery to communities in Venezuela.
The donation comes as rescue and relief operations continue following a rare sequence of powerful earthquakes that devastated parts of northern Venezuela. A magnitude 7.2 foreshock was followed seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 mainshock centred in the Veroes municipality of Yaracuy State, causing widespread destruction across several regions, particularly La Guaira and the capital, Caracas. Thousands of buildings collapsed or were damaged, forcing tens of thousands of residents from their homes as international rescue teams joined local authorities in the search for survivors.
According to Banks DIH, the disaster has claimed more than 1,700 lives, injured thousands and displaced tens of thousands of people.
“The scale of this tragedy is immense. Thousands of families have lost homes, loved ones, and livelihoods virtually overnight. We hope this contribution brings some measure of comfort to those working through unimaginable circumstances,” the company said.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Communications Executive Sonya Forrester said the donation reflects the company’s commitment to supporting neighbouring countries during times of crisis.
“The scale of this disaster is heartbreaking. Venezuela is our neighbour, and at Banks DIH Limited, we believe that when a neighbouring nation is suffering, we have a responsibility to respond. We hope this donation provides some comfort to families who have lost so much,” Forrester said.
The donation forms part of Guyana’s broader humanitarian response to the disaster. The Guyanese government has already committed to dispatching a relief vessel carrying food, medical supplies and other emergency items to assist Venezuelan communities affected by the earthquakes.
Banks DIH also extended its condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the disaster, expressing solidarity with the Venezuelan people as recovery efforts continue.
