Venezuela: emergency response under way following two deadly earthquakes

The strongest earthquakes in a century

The evening of 24 June had only just begun in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, when two powerful earthquakes violently shook the ground. Two quakes of a magnitude of 7.2 and 7.5, struck in quick succession, less than a minute apart, followed by more than thirty aftershocks. The second earthquake was the strongest recorded in over a century. The epicentre, located around 300 km west of Caracas, was at a shallow depth, which amplified its impact. 

The consequences are devastating: preliminary figures already put the death toll at 235 and the number of injured at over 4,300, but these figures are expected to rise as rescue teams search through the rubble in the devastated areas, particularly in the state of La Guaira and the Caracas metropolitan area. More than 56,000 people are reported missing. 

The material damage is considerable. More than a hundred buildings have collapsed and certain infrastructure, such as Caracas International Airport, has been severely damaged. Whilst many people are still searching for their loved ones beneath the rubble, interim president Delcy Rodriguez has declared a state of emergency. 

Considerable and urgent needs 

Venezuela has been experiencing a severe humanitarian, political and socio-economic crisis for several years, and nearly 7.9 million people – a quarter of the population – were already in need of assistance before the disaster struck. The aftermath of the two earthquakes will further complicate access to certain essential services such as healthcare, water and electricity supplies. With over 94% of households lacking sufficient income to meet their basic needs, emergency aid will be required to get through the coming days. 

HI teams in Venezuela conducted a rapid needs assessment, particularly in the area of rehabilitation. After earthquakes of this magnitude, many injured people require urgent rehabilitation care to recover from serious injuries, fractures and possible amputations. There will is also be a high demand for psychological support to help people cope with the trauma caused by the disaster. Other priorities include access to medical supplies, drinking water, and food; the provision of temporary shelter; and the distribution of hygiene supplies.

In such emergency situations, people with disabilities, children and older people face additional difficulties in getting about on streets blocked by rubble, finding safe shelter or accessing water and food. It is essential that they are not overlooked in the humanitarian response. 

HI teams ready to respond 

HI has been present in Venezuela for several years and its teams, already on the ground, are preparing to launch an emergency response. Following an the initial needs assessment, they are now organising emergency physical and functional rehabilitation support – a crucial intervention in the immediate aftermath of a disaster to care for and provide relief to the injured and prevent long-term disabilities.  

Furthermore, HI stands ready to refocus part of its aid operations, particularly in the areas of mental health and psychosocial support, as well as organising distributions of essential items (blankets, soap, toothbrushes, etc.), to support families who have lost everything in the disaster. The organisation’s priority is now to provide an urgent and inclusive response to the affected populations, paying particular attention to the situation and needs of those often overlooked, such as people with disabilities. 

HI has been working in Venezuela for several years, collaborating in particular with isolated indigenous communities and local stakeholders to improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations.