Earthquake. Venezuela in a huge humanitarian crisis

The humanitarian situation in Venezuela remains critical after two strong earthquakes (M7.2 and M7.5) struck the northern part of the country on June 24. The Polish Red Cross supports search and rescue teams and humanitarian efforts on the ground through financial donations.

Red Cross rescuers from many countries around the world are on-site at the disaster. They provide medical assistance, organize field hospitals, and support search and rescue operations. They also offer temporary shelter, access to water and food, and help reunite people with their loved ones who lost contact during the earthquake.

Survivors are still being pulled from the rubble; however, search efforts are hindered by numerous aftershocks. Another strong tremor was recorded on June 29, forcing rescuers to temporarily halt operations.

At the same time, more transport with humanitarian aid from Red Cross associations is arriving in Venezuela. Relief items are being delivered to the Venezuelan Red Cross, which distributes them among the most affected individuals. Support is still needed by both the residents of the disaster-stricken areas and the rescuers conducting operations under extremely difficult conditions.

-In such disasters, a quick and efficient response is crucial. The chances of survival for those trapped under the rubble drastically decrease after 72 hours, which is why it is so important for rescuers to reach the site as quickly as possible and to be adequately trained and equipped. This significantly increases the number of people that can be saved.- says Marcin Kowalski, a member of the PCK Board and head of the PCK Rescue Coordination Team.

The most urgent needs include medical assistance, medicines and dressing materials, access to safe water and food, as well as shelter, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, and hygiene kits for those who have lost their homes.

Satellite data from NASA indicates that nearly 59 thousand buildings have been damaged or completely collapsed. The death toll has already exceeded 1700 people, and there may be over 50 thousand people missing. The greatest destruction from the earthquakes in Venezuela was recorded in the northern part of the country, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira and the capital, Caracas.

The earthquake has deepened the very difficult situation that has persisted in Venezuela for years. Even before the earthquake,around 7.9 million residents of Venezuela needed humanitarian assistancedue to a long-standing economic crisis, limited access to healthcare, water, electricity, and basic public services.

The disaster has significantly exacerbated existing needs.