Venezuela quake: ‘People still terrified to re-enter what were their homes’
Venezuela quake: ‘People still terrified to re-enter what were their homes’
Venezuela quake – Two earthquakes have devastated Venezuela, leaving at least 235 fatalities and triggering urgent calls for aid as rescue efforts continue. The crisis has left millions displaced, with agencies stressing the immediate need to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Scope of the Disaster
The United Nations Migration Agency, IOM, estimates that up to 6.8 million individuals may have been affected by Wednesday’s seismic events, based on current population and damage assessments. Meanwhile, over 41,000 people are listed as missing through a dedicated online tracking system.
“Residents remain fearful to return to their former residences or damaged buildings, and assistance is vital to help them recover,” stated the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), a UN-associated organization.
Rescue and Survival Efforts
According to Loyce Pace, IFRC’s Americas Regional Director, the focus is on enabling basic survival. “People have lost everything, and ensuring they have access to essentials is our main task,” she said during a Geneva press briefing, speaking from Panama City.
Medical Challenges
Dr. Ciro Ugarte, Health Emergencies Director at PAHO and WHO’s Regional Office, highlighted the critical state of medical response. “The immediate goal is to deliver lifesaving care and save as many lives as possible, since the first hours are crucial,” he explained.
“Medical teams are overwhelmed, handling mass casualties and treating injuries from building collapses, especially in areas where search operations are still active,” Ugarte added.
Access to affected regions remains a major hurdle for responders, particularly in healthcare settings. “We’ve struggled to reach all health facilities,” he noted, emphasizing the logistical challenges.
Relief and Long-Term Recovery
Zoe Brennan from the IOM outlined the multifaceted needs beyond emergency care. “Those who’ve lost everything require temporary housing, clean water, sanitation, and essential supplies,” she said. The recovery phase will need sustained support to rebuild communities and restore dignity.
Country’s Preexisting Vulnerabilities
Experts noted the earthquakes struck a nation already in turmoil. Millions of Venezuelans have fled the country due to economic hardship and ongoing human rights concerns under scrutiny by the Human Rights Council.
“An internet blackout persists, and existing restrictions on digital access remain in place during the initial hours of the crisis,” OHCHR confirmed. “We urge the adoption of policies to protect the digital environment and uphold the right to information,” said Marta Hurtado, OHCHR’s spokesperson.