Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The recent earthquakes in Venezuela have resulted in over 3,500 fatalities and at least 16,740 injuries, with 6,462 individuals rescued, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
In a virtual briefing from Caracas, UN Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher emphasized the significant humanitarian needs that remain as search and rescue operations conclude. Over 200 partners from various Member States and UN agencies have delivered emergency supplies.
Current efforts include healthcare from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), shelter and protection from UN agencies such as IOM and UNHCR, child-focused aid from UNICEF, and food assistance from the World Food Programme (WFP) and partners. Rubble removal and long-term needs assessments are managed by the UN Development Programme (UNDP).
Fletcher highlighted the importance of transitioning from emergency response to a coordinated recovery plan addressing food, shelter, rubble removal, and development. He noted that significant challenges persist, as nearly eight million Venezuelans were already in need of humanitarian aid before the earthquakes.
He also called on Member States and donors to increase support, noting that $296 million is needed to assist 1.3 million people in the next six months, emphasizing the need to invest in basic life-sustaining services.