A series of powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela last week, with magnitudes of up to 7.5 and a current death toll nearing 1,500 people.
There have been some remarkable survival stories emerging – including a father and son who survived in the rubble for four days before being found – but as the window of time where more survivors are likely to be found draws to a close, we’ve compiled a guide on how you can chip in to the relief effort if you’re able.
Where did the earthquake hit in Venezuela?
The earthquakes’ epicentre was located near Morón, Carabobo State, with the first reaching a magnitude of 7.2 and the second, less than a minute later, reaching 7.5.
While it was the north-central region of Venezuela that was struck, the wider northern coast has suffered devastation as a result of the tremors, which were also felt in Colombia, Curaçao and Aruba.
You can read more travel advice in our comprehensive guide.
How can I help earthquake victims in Venezuela?
Major charities such as UNICEF, the British Red Cross, Save The Children and Medecins Sans Frontiers have all launched disaster relief funds to help the rescue and recovery effort in Venezuela. Below is a list of more organisations accepting donations right now:
- The Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a Venezuelan-American body, has launched a fundraiser to provide food, water, medicine, shelter, and other emergency relief.
- The I Love Venezuela foundation is raising money for food, water, medical support, hygiene kits and more to support vulnerable families.
- The Global Empowerment Mission is accepting both donations and supplies through this donation link.
- Aldeas Infantiles SOS is accepting donations in foreign currencies through their portal, which is to aid children and young people affected by the disaster.
- Donate to World Central Kitchen’s relief team – it’s reportedly working with partners on the ground to provide affected and displaced families in Caracas with meals.
- The UNHRC has an Emergency Fund which is striving to provide people with relief items and shelter.
- To support their assistance with medical outreach, donate to Project Hope.
- Direct Relief is a body that is coordinating with local partners to offer emergency medicine to affected people, and 100 percent of the donations go towards Venezuela.
- Aiding vetted local organisations, GlobalGiving’s Venezuela Earthquake Relief Fund is asking for donations to support its grants.
What’s the latest travel advice?
The FCDO’s travel advice page still recommends against all but essential travel to Venezuela due to the earthquake (as well as advising against all travel to certain areas, such as the country’s borders with Guyana, Colombia and Brazil). The page reads: ‘A significant humanitarian response is currently taking place. If in Venezuela, continue to follow the advice of the local authorities.
‘Caracas’ Simón Bolívar International Airport is temporarily closed following the earthquakes. Check with your airline or tour operator if you have upcoming travel planned to, from or within Venezuela.
‘If you are affected and need assistance from the UK government, call: from Venezuela +58 (0) 212 263 8411, from UK +44 (0) 207 008 5000.
‘Walk-in appointments at the Embassy are currently unavailable. Be aware of the possibility of earthquake aftershocks. See further information about earthquakes.’
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