Funchal, Portugal, July 23, 2026 (Lusa) - The Secretary of State for Portuguese Communities, Emídio Sousa, said on Thursday that the government was preparing a new aid mission to Venezuela, following the earthquakes on 24 June, to assist with the country's reconstruction.

«I am currently preparing a new mission, perhaps in September or October; I do not yet have an exact date. I will be liaising with the Venezuelan authorities to provide support for the country's reconstruction in those sectors where the need is greatest,» he said.

Emídio Sousa was speaking to journalists in Funchal on the sidelines of the opening session of the Madeira Global Forum, a gathering attended by more than 450 speakers from Madeiran communities across various countries.

He clarified that the new support for Venezuela will be channelled through companies, as part of the reconstruction work in the most affected areas.

«I am also waiting for the Venezuelan authorities to tell us which sectors are priorities, although I have little doubt that the housing sector, the reconstruction of housing, will be one of the main priorities,» he said.

Emídio Sousa also said that the government would now «look more closely» at the financing arrangements for companies that become involved in the process.

«That is one of the aspects I will have to look into in more detail, because companies, normally, when they carry out work, have to be paid for their services,» he noted.

The earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June caused at least 5,398 deaths and 16,740 injuries, according to the latest official figures.

Among the dead are at least 130 Portuguese nationals and people of Portuguese descent, whilst a further 31 are missing.

Several countries, including Portugal and other European Union member states, have sent search-and-rescue teams to Venezuela.

The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, struck 200 kilometres from Caracas, less than a minute apart, and were followed by hundreds of aftershocks, according to the United States Geological Survey.

DC/ADB // ADB.

Lusa