The two earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, particularly affected northern Venezuela and the capital, Caracas. The Venezuelan government has declared a state of emergency. As estimates of the death toll and the extent of the damage continue to evolve by the hour, humanitarian needs are expected to be immense. Swiss Solidarity is appealing for donations to support the assistance provided on the ground by its Swiss NGO partners.
Humanitarian assistance
The earthquakes have struck a country already affected by a severe social and economic crisis, where a large part of the population is living in extremely precarious conditions. Swiss Solidarity has several Swiss NGO partners ready to deploy assistance rapidly, including the Swiss Red Cross, HEKS-EPER, Caritas Switzerland and Save the Children Switzerland. The response will focus primarily on the most urgent needs, particularly shelter, access to food and safe drinking water, medical care and, depending on how the situation evolves, longer-term support.
Miren Bengoa, Director of Swiss Solidarity, stressed: “The disaster striking Venezuela at a time of instability and hardship is deeply concerning. The affected regions are densely populated, and both housing and essential infrastructure are fragile. We fear that many people will require urgent assistance and call on the people of Switzerland to show their solidarity.”
Donations to the “Earthquakes in Venezuela” appeal can be made on Swiss Solidarity's website or at any post office counter.
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