Rui Abreu, head of the Cabinet of the President of the Regional Government of Madeira, is in Venezuela to monitor the situation of the Madeiran community affected by the June 24 earthquakes. After a journey complicated by the absence of direct flights, Abreu landed in Barquisimeto and proceeded to Caracas and La Guaira to connect with the local community, representatives of Portuguese communities, and the Portuguese Embassy and Consulate.
Upon arrival, Rui Abreu acknowledged that the reality on the ground may be more dramatic than what has been shown in images. The immediate priority is to "establish the most accurate picture possible" of the situation for Madeirans and descendants of Portuguese affected by the tremors.
As a regional response, two solidarity accounts have been announced. One will be managed by the Portuguese Red Cross to support priority institutions and responses. The second, promoted by the Madeiran Diaspora Council, is for direct support to affected families. The Regional Directorate for Communities and External Cooperation will coordinate the collection of goods, with immediate needs identified in medical supplies, hygiene products, and water purification equipment.
