Support Direct Relief’s Venezuela Earthquake Response
Two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, collapsing buildings, disrupting power, and creating urgent medical needs across affected communities. Direct Relief is mobilizing emergency medical aid and providing emergency funding to support search and rescue operations as responders work to reach people who may still be trapped and connect survivors to medical care.
The first 72 hours after an earthquake are critical for reaching people beneath collapsed structures and treating life-threatening injuries. Direct Relief is supporting the deployment of Bomberos Unidos Sin Fronteras, or BUSF, a Spain-based search and rescue organization, to assist with operations on the ground. At the same time, Direct Relief is preparing medical aid commonly needed after earthquakes, including first aid supplies, hygiene items for displaced families, medicines used in treating acute injuries, and chronic disease medications for people whose access to routine care may be interrupted.
One of the most serious medical concerns after earthquakes is crush syndrome, which can occur when people are trapped under rubble for hours. The pressure can damage muscle tissue, and when a person is freed, toxins released into the bloodstream can cause kidney failure and other life-threatening complications. Immediate access to trauma care, IV fluids, laboratory monitoring, and dialysis can be critical.
Venezuela’s health system was already under severe strain before the earthquakes, making the immediate response more complex. Direct Relief is working with longtime healthcare partners in the region to assess urgent needs and determine where medical aid can be moved safely and effectively.
Your support helps Direct Relief move quickly to support search and rescue efforts, deliver emergency medical aid, and equip healthcare providers responding to earthquakes and other life-threatening emergencies around the world — often in places where access to care is already under extraordinary strain.
One hundred percent of contributions designated for Venezuela earthquake response will be used exclusively for Venezuela earthquake response efforts.
