humanitarian gesture

Queen Sofía donates €20,000 after deadly Venezuela earthquake as Spain rallies aid

The foundation also confirmed that it is working to send essential medications

UPDATED JUNE 25, 2026 4:03 PM EDTJUN 25, 2026, 4:03 PM EDT

Countries around the world awoke today to the devastating news of the twin earthquakes that struck several regions of Venezuela. So far, authorities have confirmed the deaths of at least 164 people, while nearly 1,000 others remain missing, according to preliminary reports.

The royal family shows solidarity:

"Spain has offered its assistance," Queen Letizia said just hours after the two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, devastated parts of Venezuela.

Queen Sofía announced a €20,000 donation through her foundation to support humanitarian relief efforts following the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.

Following the Queen's remarks, the Queen Sofía Foundation, at the request of King Felipe VI's mother, activated emergency aid through the Red Cross, making an initial donation of €20,000 to support humanitarian relief efforts for those affected by the disaster.

The foundation also confirmed that it is working to send essential medications, along with other emergency supplies needed to respond to the crisis caused by the earthquakes.

Major earthquakes along the Pacific Ring of Fire over the last 24 hours

The gesture once again highlights Queen Sofía's longstanding commitment to humanitarian work through her foundation, which focuses on providing assistance to those most in need.

Her contribution follows the lead of the Royal Household, which issued a statement expressing its full support for the Venezuelan people before Queen Letizia addressed the media.

Buildings were reduced to rubble as communities across Venezuela began recovering from the devastating disaster.

"Our full support goes to the people of Venezuela following the tragedy caused by the two earthquakes that have struck the country. We want to express our solidarity, our affection, and our strength to all those injured and to the communities affected by this disaster. We share in the grief of the victims' families," the Royal Household said in its statement.

Families and rescue crews gather near collapsed buildings as recovery efforts intensify following the deadly earthquakes.

The royal response is being carried out in close coordination with the Spanish government as part of broader efforts to provide effective humanitarian assistance.

Emergency relief efforts underway:

As Queen Letizia explained, Spain is currently "waiting for the full operation to be organized so that we can continue collaborating in the coming weeks." The immediate priority remains saving as many lives as possible.

Emergency responders race against time as search and rescue efforts continue in the aftermath of the deadly earthquakes.

According to Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 68 Spanish citizens have been confirmed among the dead, although Queen Letizia stressed that the figures remain provisional, noting that "these are crucial hours as rescue teams continue trying to find many people alive."

Queen Sofía's initial €20,000 donation is intended to strengthen the immediate humanitarian response on the ground while helping restore essential services in the hardest-hit areas as recovery efforts continue.