Emergency aid Venezuela

Earthquake emergency aid in Venezuela

Seven states have been particularly hard hit, with massive damage to homes, hospitals, schools and utility networks. So far, there have been at least 3,300 fatalities, more than 11,000 injured and nearly 13,000 displaced. Over 2,500 infrastructure facilities have been damaged, including the international airport and a major seaport near Caracas, which is hampering the delivery of aid.

Around 1.8 million people, including 680,000 children, are in immediate need of humanitarian aid; a total of 6.8 million people are at risk. Children in particular are exposed to high risks: protective structures have been destroyed, and children are experiencing violence, neglect and psychological distress. Many of them have been separated from their families. The humanitarian situation in Venezuela, which was already precarious, has been further exacerbated by the disaster.

SOS Children’s Villages has been active in Venezuela since 1978 and runs three SOS Children’s Villages with day care centres, residential facilities for young people and family support, as well as two family strengthening programmes in Caracas. Through these services, they regularly reach around 2,000 children, young people and their families. Thanks to close cooperation with local authorities and partner organisations, as well as their presence in key regions, SOS Children’s Villages Venezuela has been able to provide rapid and effective assistance even during complex times of crisis.

The relief measures include:

• Setting up shelters

• Reuniting separated children with their families

• Temporary accommodation and protection services

• Distribution of emergency kits (food, hygiene items, water)

• Medical supplies and care

• Restoration of water and sanitation systems

• Establishment of temporary learning centres

• Distribution of learning materials

• Psychosocial group support

• Distribution of start-up aid packages containing tools and materials for small-scale business activities

• Training on livelihood security and disaster preparedness

• Start-up capital for small business owners

• Legal advice

• Coordination and monitoring of project progress