Two devastating earthquakes with magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck the western coastal region of Venezuela on Wednesday evening local time. Buildings collapsed in cities located near the epicenter, including the capital city Caracas. Thousands are feared dead. 2.4 million people are directly affected by the disaster.

We are present in the country and are beginning vital emergency relief efforts for which we have released an initial 250,000 euros. “We are currently assessing the situation and are taking steps to provide people with the things they need most”, says Jonas Jung, our Emergency Relief Coordinator. However, in order to provide comprehensive assistance to the people, more donations are urgently needed.

“The two earthquakes were particularly severe. Especially the second quake – with a magnitude of 7.5 and a depth of just ten kilometers – caused a great deal of destruction. The affected areas are densely populated. Thousands of people have lost their homes and belongings,” Jung adds.

The earthquakes have worsened an already dire humanitarian situation for thousands of families who are suffering from the prolonged economic crisis. The consequences of the earthquake are now compounding hunger, poverty, and inadequate healthcare. Public funding for humanitarian aid in Venezuela has been drastically cut during the last year. People are therefore more urgently in need than ever of support and donations to survive this disaster and rebuild their lives.

With sincere gratitude for your invaluable help,

Theresa Tesan

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