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Damage to hospitals, schools and water systems worsened the situation for affected families, many of whom are still displaced.
Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale left at least 1,430 people dead and 3,238 injured, according to the latest official count. More than 3,100 families were affected, while authorities continue to assess the damage and aftershocks still leave uncertainty in the affected areas.
The search continues
On Saturday, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Venezuela, Gianluca Rampolla, took such action his first mission was to La Guairastates most affected by the earthquake, accompanied by several UN agencies. The visit included a tour of some of the worst affected areas and a search and rescue team coordination center.
Together with authorities, the mission is also making progress in identifying locations to install services for families who have lost their homes or are unable to return to their homes.
Rampolla highlighted that, despite the devastation and suffering of the families, he found that neighbors, volunteers and rescue teams from around the world had mobilized to provide assistance to the victims.
“At a time when we are always focused on the bad things happening in the world, this is a form of solidarity from all over the world to support the Venezuelan people,” he said.
“The first priority is to rescue the surviving people from the rubble, and that is why supporting and coordinating the teams coming from all over the world is so important. At the same time, we must support the survivors.”
Teams from 27 countries, with more than 2,200 rescuers and 140 search dogs, are working to find people trapped under the rubble, with UN support in coordination.
Writing on social media, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher and the head of his humanitarian agency Ochaemphasized that “every minute, every hour, counts.”
A representative from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies described the emotional impact of the search effort, in which hope, pain and fear of aftershocks were mixed.
“The public has not lost hope. Time is passing, but all efforts are focused on saving lives and helping people,” he said. “The sense of togetherness was enormous. There was a strength that came from wanting to find friends and loved ones, and that was mixed with pain, fear because the earthquake was still shaking, and with incredible fragility.”
Relief supplies delivered to people affected by the earthquake in Venezuela.
Children’s emergencies
UNICEFThe new estimates reflect a crisis that goes beyond collapsing structures. For hundreds of thousands of children, the earthquake jeopardized access to health services, clean water, protection and education.
“Hospitals are operating beyond capacity, thousands of children do not have access to clean water, and many schools are damaged,” said Manuel Rodríguez Pumarol, UNICEF Representative in Venezuela.
“UNICEF is working with the Venezuelan government and partners to increase support for children and families, but continued funding will be critical to sustain the response in the coming weeks.”
The agency indicated that damage to hospitals in La Guaira, Caracas, Carabobo, Aragua and Falcón affected the care of children and pregnant women.
In the capital, initial information shows damage to 432 schools, more than a third of the total number of schools. Some schools that are still safe are being used as temporary shelter for refugee families.
UNICEF has mobilized additional staff and assistance to reach approximately 650,000 people, including 234,000 children, with support in the areas of health, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection and education.
The agency’s first flight, carrying 20 tons of medical supplies and water and sanitation equipment, arrived in the country on Friday. A second shipment, from UNICEF’s global supply center in Copenhagen, is expected in the coming days.
The interior of a building in Caracas was left exposed after suffering damage from the earthquake.
Hospital at its limit
The earthquake has exacerbated pressure on the health system. Initial assessment compiled by Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) indicated that of the 21 reported facilities, three were in critical condition and six others had structural damage or were only partially operational.
Some hospitals continue to treat patients, but with high demand for trauma, orthopedics and neurosurgery. Among the identified needs are medicines, intensive care supplies, water, electricity, and improved mechanisms for moving and distributing patients between health facilities.
In La Guaira, the UN has set up three field hospitals with intensive care units, treatment rooms and trauma areas to extend care closer to affected communities.
PAHO – UN World Health Organization regional office (WHO) – also supports Venezuelan authorities in hospital evaluation, coordination of emergency medical teams, and delivery of medicines, trauma supplies, water and sanitation supplies, and other essential items.
The assessment also shows the urgent need for mental health services and psychosocial support for those affected, families searching for missing persons, healthcare staff and first responders.
Starting from rescue to supporting families
During a visit to La Guaira, the UN and authorities agreed to build multi-service spaces in two strategic points of the state to support those who have lost their homes or cannot return there.
These spaces will offer food, medical care, water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as protection services for children and youth as well as prevention and response to gender violence.
As time goes by, needs increase. For affected families, the emergency doesn’t just stop with rescue operations: it also means getting clean water, medical care, a place to sleep, and conditions that allow children to recover and continue their learning.
