All eyes on Venezuela
Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on 24 June, triggering more than 690 aftershocks and causing widespread devastation. According to the latest figures, 1719 people have lost their lives and 5034 are injured. A total of 855 buildings have been damaged or destroyed, particularly in La Guaira, the state most severely affected by the earthquake, while significant structural damage has also been reported in Caracas, prompting mass evacuations and the declaration of a State of Emergency (OCHA Situation Report No.6).
Our thoughts are with the people of Venezuela following this devastating earthquake. As communities face loss, displacement and uncertainty, we stand in solidarity with all those affected and with the humanitarian organisations working tirelessly to provide lifesaving assistance (Situation Overview, 26 June – Members only document). Safe, timely and principled humanitarian action is essential to reach those most in need.
VOICE calls for urgent international support. VOICE echoes the collective calls of humanitarian organisations to:
Rapidly mobilise flexible funding for life-saving emergency response;
Facilitate safe, timely and principled humanitarian access, including the entry of humanitarian personnel and relief supplies;
Strengthen coordination and information-sharing to support an effective and complementary response;
Address operational bottlenecks affecting logistics, accommodation and humanitarian operations;
Support shelter, cash assistance and early recovery efforts to help affected communities recover with dignity.
Member articles and reactions
IRC – Venezuela: IRC launches emergency response in wake of devastating twin earthquakes
Action Contre la Faim: Action contre la Faim lance son intervention d’urgence au Venezuela
CARITAS - Caritas mobilises after deadly eartaquakes in Venezuela
Oxfam – Major earthquakes strike Venezuela amid ongoing humanitarian crisis
Medicines du Monde - Séismes au Venezuela : Les équipes de Médecins du Monde préparent une réponse d’urgence
CARE – Relief efforts in Venezuela
ADRA - ADRA Assessing Needs Following Major Earthquake in Venezuela
