WASHINGTON, D.C. – THE United Nations and its humanitarian partners are expanding relief efforts in Venezuela as the death toll continues to climb following the devastating earthquakes that struck the South American nation.
Venezuela was rocked by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, leaving widespread destruction in their wake an at least 1,950 dead and more than 10,500 injured. Entire buildings have been reduced to rubble, while search-and-rescue teams continue the race against time to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Speaking during the United Nations daily press briefing today (Jun. 30), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said international search-and-rescue operations are now fully underway. More than 50 rescue teams, comprising over 2,300 personnel, are working alongside Venezuelan authorities in the affected areas.
"As the critical window for live rescues narrows, humanitarian partners are expanding emergency support in health, shelter, water and sanitation, and logistics in La Guaira and other affected municipalities," UN Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, told reporters.
Rescue operations, however, continue to face significant challenges. Authorities say persistent heavy rainfall and the passage of tropical waves have slowed efforts and increased the danger for both rescuers and survivors.
Dujarric warned that the deteriorating weather conditions are raising the risk of additional building collapses and landslides in the hardest-hit communities, further complicating search-and-rescue operations and the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance.
"National authorities are issuing public safety guidance and monitoring high-risk zones. We and our partners are working closely with them to ensure a coordinated response to affected communities," he added.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has dispatched a 47-metric-tonne shipment of emergency supplies to Venezuela to assist children and families affected by the disaster.
The shipment includes emergency health kits for urgent medical care, supplies for safe deliveries, newborn care, disease prevention and treatment, water purification and storage equipment, tents for child-friendly spaces and service centres, wheelchairs and other mobility aids, as well as educational and recreational materials aimed at helping children regain a sense of normalcy.
UNICEF said the latest shipment, together with an earlier regional delivery from Panama on June 28, is expected to provide assistance to more than 100,000 children and their families over the next three months.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is also supporting the response by providing local authorities with tools and equipment to strengthen the collection and management of emergency information.
In addition, emergency supplies are being transported from UNHCR's warehouse in Táchira to La Guaira, while the agency stands ready to mobilise more than 20 metric tonnes of additional relief supplies from its global stockpiles in Panama if needed.
As international relief efforts continue, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis has also pledged its support.
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew recently confirmed that Basseterre will coordinate directly with the Venezuelan Government to determine the country's immediate humanitarian needs before providing assistance.
St. Kitts and Nevis has maintained close diplomatic ties with Venezuela over the years, with the two countries continuing to cooperate despite regional differences involving some CARICOM member states.
