How to help those impacted by earthquakes in Venezuela
Relief organizations are already mobilizing to help across the country amidst the doublet earthquakes.
by Alexis Garcia · 5 NBCDFWSearch and rescue efforts are underway in Venezuela after powerful 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes struck Wednesday evening, rattling the nation in one of its strongest seismic events in more than a century.
The quakes were felt across the region, leaving at least 164 people dead, more than 1,000 injured and thousands reported missing as officials worked to gauge the full scope of the disaster.
Coastal areas like La Guaira, just north of Caracas, appear to be among the hardest hit, with some of the highest casualties and most extensive damage reported so far, according to officials.
While the full extent of the damage is not yet clear, officials say emergency crews and aid groups have begun mobilizing across the country.
Here are some ways to support people impacted by the earthquakes. Follow the links to learn more about the organizations and how to volunteer or donate.
Before you give
As always, experts recommend making sure a charity is legitimate before you donate and choosing groups that are well-established. You can find information about them on GuideStar and Charity Navigator.
How to help
Airlink is working with airline and logistics partners to mobilize humanitarian partners to help communities across Venezuela by sending:
- Search and rescue and emergency medical teams
- Disaster assessment and management teams
- Urgently-needed aid, including medical supplies, medicines, water filters, food, shelter supplies and more
With damage to the largest airport in Venezuela, Simón Bolívar International Airport, temporarily pausing flights into the country, Airlink is working to find routes for responders. For more information, click here.
Americares trains local health workers to help people cope with the trauma of natural disasters and provides medical assistance to health facilities throughout the country. The Americares emergency team, including staff from the region, is assessing urgent health needs for survivors. They are also coordinating their response with the Pan American Health Organization, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and other disaster response organizations. Click here to learn more.
CORE, or Community Organized Relief Effort, delivers life-saving resources in the immediate aftermath – and empowers communities to be self-reliant in the long run. Its emergency response team is deploying and actively coordinating with trusted partners to assess the widespread needs on the ground. Visit CORE's website for more information.
Direct Relief maintains emergency medicines commonly requested during earthquake events, including wound care, surgical supplies, antibiotics, field medic packs to equip first responders and search and rescue crews, and more. The organization will continue to respond to requests in the region as they become known. To discover more about the relief efforts, click here.
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) works to help people overcome significant barriers to health care by providing essential medical services and supporting the local health system. MSF teams in Caracas are assessing the situation and donating emergency trauma kits to hospitals. For more information on MSF, visit the website.
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)
GEM is a disaster relief organization. The GEM team, partnered with I Love Venezuela, is currently mobilizing in response to the developing situation. The reconnaissance and emergency response teams will be assessing needs, coordinating with local partners, and beginning response operations. To learn more about GEM, click here.
International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC)
The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) said the Venezuelan Red Cross is continuing care in a network of hospitals and polyclinics. Rescue teams are supporting evacuation and search efforts. The Venezuelan Red Cross said its headquarters was among the buildings affected by the earthquake and the group is accounting for the safety of its staff and volunteers. Click here to learn more about IFRC's relief efforts..
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
IRC teams are on the ground in Venezuela delivering urgent health, nutrition, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), protection, education, food security, and livelihood services. For more details on IRC in Venezuela, click here.
Islamic Relief is launching an emergency appeal to support those affected. Its members will be working with partners and local authorities to deliver lifesaving aid. For more information, including how to donate, click here.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is rapidly deploying urban search and rescue teams -- highly specialized emergency response units -- through the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group, a U.N. advisory body. To discover more about OCHA, visit the website.
Project HOPE is a U.S.-based international humanitarian aid nonprofit. The organization is mobilizing medical assistance, with international emergency medical personnel and a K-9 search and rescue team on standby. For more information, including how to support, click here.
The international youth humanitarian group says it has already released emergency funds and stands ready to deliver health services, child protection support, shelter, food and essential relief items as needed. Click here to discover more about Save the Children.
Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen also is on the ground in Venezuela providing food and water to evacuated residents, first responders and tourists. World Center Kitchen typically activates a network of local restaurants, food trucks and emergency kitchens. Visit the website to learn more about World Central Kitchen's relief efforts.
World Food Program USA -- and the international program The World Food Programme -- delivers lifesaving food aid and is gearing up to support emergency response efforts in Venezuela. For more information including donations, click here.
The aid organization World Vision has people in Venezuela and said it was activating its emergency response including:
- Emergency food assistance to prevent hunger and malnutrition
- Clean water and hygiene supplies to reduce the spread of disease
- Temporary shelter materials for families who have lost their homes
- Medical care and essential supplies for those injured or at risk
- Child-friendly spaces to provide safety, stability, and emotional care after trauma
Click here to learn more about World Vision's aid efforts.