Caritas Australia has launched an urgent appeal to support communities in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck last week, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit central and northern regions of the country.
More than 1400 people have been killed and almost 70,000 people have been reported missing as of yesterday, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
Families are displaced following significant damage to homes and critical infrastructure across multiple states, including Caracas and La Guaira.
Earlier this year, the United Nations reported 7.9 million people in Venezuela already needed humanitarian assistance due to political and economic uncertainty, alongside floods, landslides and other climate shocks.
Following the earthquake, the Venezuelan Government declared a national state of emergency as authorities continue to assess the scale of devastation.
Pope Leo XVI yesterday invited people to join him in praying for the earthquake victims and their families, as well as for the work of rescue crews.
“I wish to express my closeness to the Venezuelan sisters and brothers affected by the recent earthquakes that have caused numerous victims and injured, as well as great material damages,” he said.
“As we pray to the Lord for the eternal repose of the deceased, I renew my spiritual closeness to their families, the injured, and those struck by this tragedy. At the same time, I express my gratitude and support to those who are generously carrying out search and rescue efforts.”
Caritas Venezuela, part of the global Caritas network, is assessing needs and coordinating a humanitarian response through its diocesan teams across affected areas.
Caritas Australia chief Kirsten Sayers said the scale of the disaster was still unfolding, but the needs are expected to be immense.
“Communities across Venezuela have been shaken not just by the earthquakes, but by the loss of homes, livelihoods and loved ones,” Ms Sayers said.
“Our partners, Caritas Venezuela, report families are being forced to sleep outside, with damaged buildings and ongoing aftershocks making it unsafe to return home. For many, churches are the first place they turn to for help.
“Right now, urgent support is needed to provide safe shelter, food, clean water and emergency supplies.”
Caritas Australia is calling on Australians to stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela during this time of crisis.
“In moments like this, global solidarity matters. Every contribution helps ensure families can access the essentials they need to stay alive, rebuild and recover,” Ms Sayers said.
Funds raised through the appeal will support Caritas Venezuela’s emergency response and recovery efforts, delivered in partnership with local communities and the Church.
Details: www.caritas.org.au/venezuela.
FULL STORY
Caritas Australia launches Venezuela earthquake appeal (Caritas Australia)
Almost 70,000 reported missing in ‘race against the clock’ after Venezuela earthquakes (By Regina Garcia Cano, Juan Pablo Arraez and Megan Janetsky, Sydney Morning Herald)
Pope Leo prays for Venezuela as quake death toll rises (Vatican News)
