Finnish Red Cross deploys first aid worker to Venezuela

The Finnish Red Cross will send its first aid worker to earthquake-hit Venezuela early Monday morning, the organisation told Yle.

The worker, a healthcare professional, will join an international team assessing the country’s current medical and health needs following the disasters.

Toni Jokinen, head of the Finnish Red Cross international aid support and coordination unit, said Saturday that the organisation has additional aid workers ready to deploy when called. The Finnish Red Cross may also send a field hospital if needed.

The organisation is also providing financial assistance to the Venezuela operation from its own disaster fund.

Venezuela was struck by earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude between Wednesday night and Thursday morning Finnish time. Jorge Rodriguez, head of the country’s National Assembly, said Saturday that at least 1,430 people have died in the quakes, with tens of thousands still missing.