Key facts
- Two powerful earthquakes, magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck northern Venezuela.
- Over 230 people have died and thousands have been injured.
- Thousands are missing, and search and rescue operations are underway.
- Buildings collapsed, leading to widespread destruction and displacement.
- International humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to provide aid and support.
Two powerful, back-to-back earthquakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday evening, causing widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, and resulting in over 230 fatalities and thousands of injuries. Many more individuals are reported missing as rescue efforts continue amidst the rubble.
Governments, nonprofits, and members of the Venezuelan diaspora worldwide are mobilizing to provide assistance. Humanitarian organizations are preparing to deliver medical care, emergency shelter, food, water, and sanitation services to the thousands of injured and displaced families. Challenges such as airport closures and the need for expedited visas for aid workers are anticipated.
Organizations like Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) are packing and shipping essential relief items, while CORE is deploying personnel and partnering with local foundations to distribute cash support and supplies. Direct Relief is funding search-and-rescue teams and medical supplies, and the Venezuelan Red Cross is actively involved in rescue and evacuation efforts, supported by neighboring Red Cross societies assisting with restoring family links.
Airlink is facilitating the transport of search-and-rescue teams and medical responders, and World Central Kitchen is preparing to serve hot meals. Catholic Relief Services, working with Caritas Venezuela, is providing emergency shelter, food, water, and medical care. Global Impact has established a response fund to channel aid to various vetted organizations, including UNICEF USA and Save the Children.