More than ten days after the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela, the death toll continues to rise, surpassing 3,300, while more than 16,700 people have been injured. Tens of thousands remain missing, and authorities report that 26,403 people have been affected, including around 17,345 who have lost their homes.
In a context still marked by fear, displacement and urgent humanitarian needs, CESVI is scaling up its emergency response on the ground. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, the team launched life-saving interventions to support the affected population.
Today, based on assessments of the needs in the most affected communities, CESVI is distributing essential supplies to help families cope with a daily life that has suddenly become precarious: food, safe drinking water and hygiene kits, crucial to protect people’s health and preserve their dignity, even in the midst of an emergency.
Alongside these first relief efforts, CESVI is also distributing moisture-resistant blankets, metal whistles to alert rescuers in case of emergency, 10–20 liter water containers, solar lamps and lanterns, as well as other essential items to improve hygiene conditions and reduce exposure to bacteria and insects.
«As CESVI, we are providing assistance to the several displaced families across different areas of Venezuela», says Pietro Caburrosso, CESVI Emergency Coordinator in Venezuela for the earthquake response.
In the mountainous area of El Junquito, where frequent rainfall is making conditions even more challenging for those who have lost their homes, the CESVI team is distributing mattresses, tents and waterproof tarpaulins, providing safer shelter for the nearly 500 displaced families currently living in the area.
Particular attention is also being given to children, among those most vulnerable to the consequences of the emergency. Many have experienced intense fear, some have lost family members, and the closure of schools has disrupted a daily routine that is essential to their sense of safety.
«These days, CESVI is placing great emphasis on activities for children, too. In this community, some children have unfortunately lost family members, and schools are closed, so, as CESVI, we have developed specific child protection programmes», explains Marcelo Garcia Dalla Costa, Head of CESVI International Programmes. «During the displacement, some children became separated from their families: that is why we are also working to reunite them with their relatives through specialized members of our team, with a particular focus on supporting children».
Psychological and psychosocial support is also a core component of CESVI’s response in Venezuela. The team includes specialized professionals who are helping affected people cope with the trauma they have experienced: families who have witnessed the disappearance of their loved ones beneath the rubble, people who have lost their home and are now living in temporary shelters, and children who need to regain a sense of protection, care and stability.
Remaining alongside the affected communities is essential not only in the first hours of the emergency, but also now, as the country continues to shake. Since June 24th, more than 995 aftershocks have been recorded, further increasing fear and uncertainty among the population.
For this reason, CESVI continues to work on the ground to provide assistance to those who are most exposed and vulnerable: women, children, elders, people with disabilities, and those who depend on medicines or ongoing medical treatment.
In a crisis that is far from over, every contribution can make a difference in protecting those who have lost everything and helping communities take their first steps towards recovery.
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Photo by Alejandra Otero
