© Wikimedia/O. Berrios Caracas, capital of Venezuela. Venezuela: UN mobilizes aid after devastating earthquakes Humanitarian aid
The United Nations is supporting international relief efforts following two powerful earthquakes in Venezuela. Rescuers continue search operations in the capital Caracas and other affected areas where people may be trapped under the rubble.
According to the latest data, at least 164 people were killed and another 971 were injured as a result of the disaster. The most difficult situation has developed in the north of the country. The extent of the destruction in the worst-hit state of La Guaira is still unknown.
According to information from the US Geological Survey, the first earthquake of magnitude 7.2 occurred near the city of San Felipe with a population of about 220 thousand people. Less than a minute later, a second magnitude 7.5 tremor followed, reportedly the strongest to hit the country in more than 125 years.
International search and rescue operation
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced an urgent deployment search and rescue teams through the International Advisory Group on Search & Rescue.
“I am in constant communication with our team in Caracas, led by Humanitarian Coordinator Gianluca Rampolla, to ensure a quick and effective response measures,” said UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher.
According to him, in the morning Rampolla has already held talks with the acting president of Venezuela, and UN staff, together with the country’s authorities, are urgently assessing the needs and identifying priority areas of assistance. Venezuela and declared its readiness to provide the necessary assistance.
“My thoughts today are with those affected by the earthquake in Venezuela. WFP stands ready to provide assistance and support the response to get it to those in need as quickly as possible,” said WFP Acting Executive Director Karl Skau.“Heartbreaking news from Venezuela, where two powerful earthquakes occurred almost simultaneously. There are dead, many injured, entire communities have suffered. Rapid international support is essential to respond to the situation,” said IOM Director-General Amy Pope.
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has also expressed its readiness to provide assistance.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the earthquake that has affected Caracas. I express my solidarity with everyone who has lost loved ones, been injured or lost their home. UNHCR stands ready to support response efforts in coordination with authorities and partners,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih.
The UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) also announced its readiness to assist in the disaster response.
Access to social networks and Media
The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela said that in the face of the devastating earthquake, all national and international responses must be based on human rights principles.
“As a first step, it is essential that the National Telecommunications Commission fully restored access to social networks and all media,” the Mission said in a statement.
Experts stressed that in the coming hours and days, access to information will be a matter of life and death.