- Urgency level : High
- Venezuela
- Natural disaster
The powerful earthquakes that struck on 24 June have drastically exacerbated the vulnerabilities already present in Venezuela. Around 1.8 million people, including 680,000 children, are now in need of humanitarian assistance. In several affected areas, damage to homes and infrastructure is forcing families to sleep outdoors, without adequate access to water, healthcare and sanitation facilities.
1.8 million people are in need of humanitarian aid following the earthquakes
Children are particularly vulnerable to disease, disruption to their education, displacement and the psychological consequences of the disaster. In the town of Catia La Mar alone, initial satellite analyses indicate that a significant proportion of buildings have been damaged. The need for shelter, medicines, drinking water and protection comes on top of the economic and social difficulties that were already affecting households before the earthquake.
The response must go beyond the immediate distribution of relief aid. The restoration of essential services, the safe reconstruction of housing and the strengthening of earthquake-resilience standards will be crucial to reducing future losses. The recovery effort must also support schools, healthcare facilities and local economies to ensure that the disaster does not cause lasting damage to human development.