Earthquakes

One month after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela’s north-central coast, humanitarian organizations are drawing attention to the long-term effects communities are still facing, including displacement, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted essential services. The earthquakes killed nearly 5,400 people, injured more than 16,000, and left thousands homeless.

United Nations relief chief Tom Fletcher called on UN member states and donors Wednesday for an additional US$296 million to provide life-saving support to 1.3 million people affected by devastating earthquakes in Venezuela over the next six months. Two weeks after the earthquakes hit, Venezuelan authorities have reported more than 3,800 deaths, at least 16,740 injuries, and 6,462 rescues since the start of the emergency. Some 18,000 people have been left homeless.

Five days after two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela, humanitarian organizations are rapidly scaling up life-saving assistance as the country’s authorities continue to lead the response. International search and rescue operations have been fully mobilized with over 70 teams and other specialized units from 27 countries. Over 2,300 personnel are currently working alongside national authorities.

Two powerful earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela in the evening hours on Wednesday, less than a minute apart. First came a 7.2-magnitude foreshock around 6 pm local time, followed seconds later by a 7.5-magnitude mainshock. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenters were in the Yaracuy region. Initial reports indicate significant destruction across several states, including the capital, Caracas.