Venezuela earthquake: A multi-sector crisis

A week on from the earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on 24 June, more details are emerging.

The death toll has risen to 1,943 (as of 1 July), while it has been confirmed that more than 10,000 people have been injured.

More than 50,000 people remain missing, according to the United Nations’ humanitarian body (UNOCHA).

A growing disaster

The earthquakes have severely damaged the country’s healthcare system. Thirty-eight hospitals across Venezuela have been damaged or compromised, while 3 are unable to operate at all.

Food shortages are now being reported across La Guaira state, the region hardest hit by the quakes.

The international airport in the capital, Caracas, remains closed with no confirmed reopening date. Currently all humanitarian relief entering Venezuela is arriving via neighbouring Colombia or by boat.

More than 430 schools in the Capital District (the federal territory containing Caracas) have been damaged.

Islamic Relief is responding

The needs in Venezuela are growing by the day, and the humanitarian response is expanding.

Islamic Relief staff are on the ground and have seen the disaster up close. We have been conducting needs assessments, visiting a refugee centre in Caracas that is now a temporary home for 4,000 people.

Working with partners, we are distributing food and hygiene packs to families who have lost their homes.

The packs include enough food, hygiene and household items to help feed families for a week.

Donate generously today and help us to support the communities who have had their lives ripped apart by the earthquakes in Venezuela. Donate to Islamic Relief’s Venezuela Emergency Fund now.