First aid operations continue unabated after the earthquake in Venezuela: AMU, AFN, and the Emergency Coordination Unit of the Focolare Movement are renewing and strengthening their commitment to the communities affected by the June 24 earthquake and are continuing their extraordinary fundraising campaign (click here to donate).
The situation in the areas affected by the earthquake in Venezuela
More than a month after two devastating earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 that struck the San Felipe-Yumare-Montalbán axis, the situation in the central-northern part of the country remains critical.
The La Guaira area was the most damaged by the earthquake, but serious damage was also recorded in the Caracas area, particularly in El Junquito and San Bernardino .
Updated data from the field show the extent of the emergency:
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Over 3,880 confirmed victims and more than 16,700 injured.
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Over 17,900 people are homeless , of whom nearly 16,900 are currently sheltered in 87 temporary camps set up.
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Approximately 856 buildings were damaged , including 190 completely collapsed complexes including homes, schools and health facilities.
As recovery operations near their conclusion, the population is facing a dual crisis: health and emotional, exacerbated by the sudden loss of homes, jobs, and livelihoods.
Our action plan on the territory: how we are intervening
Thanks to the strategic collaboration with the Asociación Civil Movimiento de los Focolares and the Asociación Civil Obra de María , the AMU, AFN and the Emergency Coordination of the Focolare Movement are implementing an integrated response plan that includes:
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Food support and basic necessities: Distribution of basic necessities directly to the most vulnerable families and ongoing support for community and parish soup kitchens.
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Health and psychological care: Coverage of expenses for visits, medications, and specialist tests, along with psychological support for trauma processing.
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Housing interventions: Renovating partially damaged homes to allow for a quick, safe return and providing rent assistance to homeless families.
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Economic recovery: Microfinancing and supplies to enable small and medium-sized businesses to reopen, safeguarding jobs and the local economy.
We continue to support the Venezuelan people
The emergency doesn’t end with the first aid: reconstruction and restoring dignity to the affected communities require ongoing commitment.