Earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia: Caritas Supports Those Affected
In late June, Venezuela was struck by a devastating earthquake that caused widespread destruction and claimed thousands of lives. In August, another strong earthquake shook the region, leaving many people in Colombia in dire straits. Caritas Switzerland, together with its local partner organizations, is providing humanitarian aid to the affected populations in both countries.
Earthquake in Venezuela
The severe earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24 claimed the lives of over 5'300 people; 16'740 injured individuals required medical care; and at least 18'000 people lost their homes, with over 23,000 currently living in emergency shelters. According to authorities, there is a need for 25'000 new homes.
The disaster has struck a country that has already been suffering severely for years from an ongoing economic crisis, food shortages, and hyperinflation. Even before the earthquake, many people were already affected by extreme poverty, malnutrition, and inadequate access to medical care. Their plight has worsened further.
Every day, food, hygiene supplies, and medical supplies are distributed to people in need.
More than 40'000 volunteers support the relief efforts of Caritas Venezuela - over 200 volunteers are on the ground every day.
The powerful earthquake caused enormous destruction. At least 18'000 people have lost their homes.
How Caritas Is Supporting Those Affected in Venezuela
Together with Caritas Venezuela, we have already been able to implement extensive relief efforts since the earthquake and reach approximately 92'000 people. Caritas Venezuela:
- distributed over 18'000 metric tons of relief supplies to affected families.
- distributed approximately 100'000 medical supplies and medications through 35 distribution points.
- delivered 22'924 food and water packages as well as hygiene kits to families.
- Psychological support is also an integral part of the emergency response.
Following the emergency response phase, the focus is now shifting to early recovery and reconstruction. Caritas Venezuela is now primarily focusing on cash transfers to those affected. It is also providing assistance in the areas of food security, water and sanitation, shelter and protection, health, psychosocial counseling, and, later, the reconstruction of livelihoods.
Earthquake in Colombia
On August 10, Colombia was also rocked by a severe earthquake. More than 320 people lost their lives and 4'600 were injured. According to preliminary reports, 33'375 homes were destroyed, and health and educational facilities as well as airports were also affected. Local Caritas organizations report that there is a great need on the ground for emergency shelter, food and drinking water, medical care, and psychosocial support.
Widespread destruction following the earthquake in Colombia
Hundreds of packages have already been distributed, and the need continues.
Everyone pitches in to distribute relief supplies to people in need
How Caritas Is Supporting Those Affected in Colombia
Together with Caritas Colombia, we are providing initial emergency aid to the affected population. The greatest needs are in the areas of food and drinking water, hygiene supplies, emergency shelter and protection for families, restoration of livelihoods, and medical and psychosocial care.
Caritas Colombia is particularly committed to supporting hard-to-reach communities in the Chocó region – around the earthquake’s epicenter. Coordination is carried out through regional contact points that were already present there before the earthquake. Through close coordination among themselves, the various humanitarian organizations ensure that emergency aid reaches the places where it is needed most.
Your donation makes this support possible
The consequences of the two earthquakes are devastating, and the need for humanitarian aid remains enormous. With your donation, you support the relief efforts of Caritas Switzerland and its partner organizations for those affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia. Thank you very much.
«Behind every damaged home is a family, and behind every affected community are life stories. People need to know that they are not alone.»lina LópezEmergency Relief Coordinator for Caritas Colombia
Caritas’s Work in Latin America
In addition to providing immediate emergency relief, Caritas Switzerland has been working for years with various local partner organizations to support refugees in Venezuela and in the neighboring countries of Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. Caritas is also committed to long-term poverty alleviation.
Header image: Tausende Lebensmittelpakete konnten bereits an Menschen in Not abgegeben werden. © Caritas Venezuela