(No. 385 - December 7, 2010 - 5:10 p.m. ET) The Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas), today offered Canada's condolences to those affected by the heavy rains and resulting floods and landslides which have devastated many parts of Venezuela:
"On behalf of all Canadians, I offer condolences to the friends and families of those who have lost loved ones as a result of these tragic events. I also extend my sympathies to all Venezuelans who have been affected by the devastation caused by the heavy rains, in particular, to the thousands of families who lost their homes and have been forced to seek emergency shelter as a result of the landslides and floods that continue to affect many parts of the country."
Venezuela has not requested international assistance in response to the floods. There have been no reports of Canadian deaths or injuries due to the flooding or related events. Canadians in Venezuela requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Canadian embassy in Caracas at +58 (212) 600-3000. Alternatively, they may contact Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Emergency Operations Centre collect at 613-996-8885 or send an email to sos@international.gc.ca.
Friends and relatives in Canada seeking information on Canadian citizens believed to be in the affected area should contact the Emergency Operations Centre at 1-800-387-3124. They may also send an email to the address above.
For up-to-date information, consult Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada's Travel Report Venezuela.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Meredith McDonald
Senior Communications Adviser
Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas)
613-944-7013
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
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