Deadly earthquakes devastate Venezuela: Americares Urgent Response

Venezuela was struck by a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake – the strongest to hit the nation in over a century – followed by a 7.5 magnitude aftershock. Sadly, the death toll continues to rise and thousands have been reported missing, injured or displaced.

Americares has mobilized a critical emergency response through trusted local and regional
partners.

An Americares-supported emergency medical team is providing care to approximately
150 patients each day, critical humanitarian supplies are being moved into the response, and an Americares response expert based in Caracas is coordinating assessments and relief activities with local authorities and humanitarian organizations.

Americares response has moved from initial assessment and coordination to active
implementation. Our immediate priorities are to:

• Expand access to emergency and primary health care.
• Deliver essential medicines, medical supplies and equipment.
• Support damaged and overwhelmed health facilities.
• Strengthen the work of local health organizations and responders.
• Reduce the risk of disease outbreaks associated with unsafe water, inadequate
sanitation and overcrowding.
• Address the mental health and psychosocial needs of affected communities and frontline
workers.
• Adapt the response as new needs and access challenges emerge.

Americares has a long history of responding to major earthquakes, including the 2023 Türkiye and Syria earthquake, the 2015 Nepal earthquake, the 2010 and 2021 earthquakes in Haiti and the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

In emergencies like this, providing timely medical aid is crucial to treat injuries and prevent illness, but our emergency response efforts rely on your urgent support.

Your donation helps communities reeling from disasters in Venezuela and around the world.