Humanitarian groups have launched an urgent appeal as the Venezuela earthquake death toll continues to climb, thousands remain unaccounted for and emergency rescue teams try desperately to help survivors.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has warned that the crisis could worsen if assistance is not provided after the country has been ravaged by years of economic crisis.
“Thousands of people in Venezuela have survived the unimaginable horror of two devastating earthquakes only to face the trauma of missing loved ones and finding their homes and neighbourhoods destroyed,” said chief executive Saleh Saeed.
“Right now, many of these families are sleeping in makeshift tents on the street. They urgently need shelter, food, water, and medical care.
“DEC charities are working around the clock with their local partners to reach people. The needs are overwhelming and the British public’s support could be a lifeline for families affected by this devastating disaster. Please donate now.”
At least 1,700 people have been confirmed dead so far and around 46,000 remain missing. Early estimates suggest that 2,500 buildings have been destroyed in the area.
British foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The earthquakes in Venezuela last week have been devastating. Already we have sent our UK search and rescue team to help. But the people of Venezuela desperately need urgent humanitarian support from across the globe.
“That is why the UK Government are matching funding up to £2m of public donations to DEC’s appeal to provide urgent humanitarian assistance, as part of a wider package of support from the UK.”
The DEC brings together 14 leading aid charities at times of crisis overseas, including the British Red Cross, Oxfam and Save the Children.
Dunia de Barnola, country director for Action Against Hunger said that they were especially concerned about older people who could be especially vulnerable.
”We are making sense of the scale of what we will find in the struck areas. People are living on the streets and in improvised shelters and do not have access to basic services – life feels very fragile,” she said.
“We are attending to people’s basic health needs – including those taking part in the rescue missions. Our immediate focus is on distribution of safe drinking water and hygiene kits, and to establish emergency water and sanitation systems. We are particularly concerned that we have many older people who need help urgently. Donations will make a significant difference to the support we can give.
