Red Cross helps people affected by the earthquake in Venezuela
Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on the evening of Wednesday 24 June. The most powerful earthquakes of the century caused widespread destruction in the country. The Finnish Red Cross is monitoring the situation and is prepared to help those affected by the earthquake.
The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes that struck Venezuela caused widespread structural damage, particularly in the regions of the capital, Caracas, and La Guaira. The Venezuelan Red Cross is helping those affected by the earthquake and is assessing the need for aid in cooperation with experts from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The electricity, transport and telecommunications services are currently partially disrupted. The country’s healthcare system has suffered damage and the airport has been closed.
‘The exact extent of the need for assistance is still unclear, but in the initial stages the focus is on rescue and first aid, temporary accommodation, as well as ensuring basic services such as water and healthcare. The death toll continues to rise, and it is now vital to locate and rescue the survivors,’ says Toni Jokinen, Head of International Aid Support and Coordination Unit at the Finnish Red Cross.
According to Jokinen, the top priority after an earthquake is to rescue any survivors from the rubble.
‘Those who survived the earthquake have been forced to flee their homes or have lost their homes and possessions. It is vital to ensure that they have shelter and that first aid and emergency healthcare are available. As well as life-saving medical care, survivors need psychosocial support. Many have also lost touch with their relatives,’ says Jokinen.
The Finnish Red Cross is monitoring the situation in Venezuela and is prepared to dispatch emergency aid. The Finnish Red Cross can channel funds from the disaster relief fund towards an aid operation in Venezuela, and is prepared to send aid workers and material aid to the country.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has already directed more than two million dollars to Venezuela from its disaster relief fund. The DREF (Disaster Relief Emergency Fund) is funded by various countries, Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, and other financiers. The Finnish Red Cross has supported the fund since 2022. The Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has also supported the DREF through the Finnish Red Cross.
Your help is needed in Venezuela. How you can help:
You can help by donating online or MobilePay to 61209.
You can also start your own digital fundraising campaign.
Here's How the Red Cross Is Helping in the Earthquakes in Venezuela
