Ottawa―Today, the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation, announced that Canada, through the Canadian International Development Agency, is providing emergency assistance to help Guatemalans affected by the earthquake.
On November 7, 2012, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Guatemala at 10:35 a.m. local time. According to the authorities, more than 12,000 houses were damaged by the earthquake.
"Canada is supporting the Red Cross Movement to allow for an immediate response to the people affected by the earthquake," said Minister Fantino. "Canada is helping to make certain that families are able to recover from the earthquake through the delivery of much needed emergency relief items."
The Government of Canada will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure basic needs are met and to provide further assistance, if required.
Backgrounder
Canada's support to Guatemala
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck off the coast of Guatemala on November 7, 2012, at 10:35 a.m. local time (11:35 a.m. Ottawa time). According to Guatemalan government authorities, more than 12,000 homes have been damaged and 44 deaths have been reported.
On November 12, 2012, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) issued a call to support the Guatemalan Red Cross in delivering assistance to 6,000 beneficiaries.
In response to the first call for assistance, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) provided $30,000 to the IFRC through the Canadian Red Cross to help meet the immediate needs of those persons most affected by the earthquake.
International Humanitarian Assistance
CIDA, through its International Humanitarian Assistance Program, aims to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain the dignity of those affected by conflicts and natural disasters by providing appropriate, timely, and effective assistance.
For more information, media should contact:
Daniel Bezalel Richardsen
Press Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation
Telephone: 819-953-6238
Email: danielbezalel.richardsen@acdi-cida.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
Telephone: 819-953-6534
Email: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
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