Earthquakes in Venezuela: ‘The consequences will last more than ten years’

The evolving situation and needs

The twin earthquakes on 24 June plunged Venezuela into chaos. Roads and buildings were completely destroyed, thousands of people were left without shelter, access to water, food or healthcare; and communication links were highly unreliable, further fuelling anxiety and concern.

In the days that followed, the priority was to rescue people trapped under the rubble.

‘I was born in La Guaira; it’s a place I know very well. The first time I went there after the earthquake, I was deeply shocked. Entire neighbourhoods had been emptied of their residents. At the same time, it was heart-warming to see the strong community response that sprang into action so quickly,” recalls Beatriz Armada, HI’s operations manager in Venezuela.

More than a month after the disaster, needs on the ground are changing. Following the emergency response of the first few weeks, the focus is now on clearing rubble and ensuring that emergency solutions for displaced people are sustainable.

“It is not just a matter of clearing the rubble; we must also enable all those affected by the disaster to find accommodation, work and a return to normal daily life. Accommodation solutions covering several months must be provided, as the destroyed buildings will not be rebuilt immediately. We must also ensure access to drinking water, food and various health and protection services, ensuring everyone is included.”

Many health centres have been damaged, and numerous schools have been converted into temporary accommodation – so the priority is to enable the reconstruction of infrastructure and housing, and to restore access to services.

“There are new needs because services such as healthcare and education must return to normal. For example, how will we manage in September when the new school term begins? There are many questions arising right now that will remain pressing for years to come.”

Humanitarian aid is evolving

Initially, HI’s teams focused on physical and functional rehabilitation, mental health support, the provision of assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walking sticks and crutches, as well as the distribution of essential items such as hygiene kits.

“Physiotherapists were deployed to provide early rehabilitation care. In the first few hours, many people suffered amputations or fractures; some were crushed under the rubble – it is crucial to begin rehabilitation as soon as possible to prevent complications,” explains Beatriz.

To date, HI teams have carried out more than 260 individual rehabilitation sessions, distributed nearly 100 kits to people living in temporary shelters, provided mental health and psychosocial support to around 30 people, and supplied 20 mobility aids (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.).

Anticipating long-term needs

Having focused its aid on the worst-affected areas of La Guaira and Caracas, HI now plans to expand its operations and extend assistance to all seven states affected by the earthquakes, either directly or through partner organisations.

From mid-August, nine new physiotherapists and seven new psychologists will join the existing teams to strengthen the services provided to the public. The organisation’s aim is to ensure that those in need receive ongoing support over the coming months and years.

“We’re talking about a process that will take years… We want to provide long-term support in rehabilitation and mental health for people with disabilities or those who have experienced trauma, because we know it takes time to recover and move forward,” explains Beatriz.

HI also plans to provide new forms of support, such as highly personalised assistive technologies tailored to each person’s needs – magnifying glasses, hearing aids, tablets, etc. Another key challenge is to adapt all services – healthcare, housing, education and employment – to include people with disabilities. To this end, HI plans to launch disability awareness sessions in emergency accommodation and health centres so that people with disabilities are taken into account and included in decision-making.

“I think we’re talking about consequences that will last more than ten years. We’re starting to roll out aid for the next six months, but we’re already thinking ahead to the next two or three years, in the hope that funding will follow. We mustn’t forget that these earthquakes struck whilst Venezuela was already in the midst of a crisis, which makes providing aid all the more complex and necessary.”