Salvation Army response continues amid devastation in Venezuela
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The Salvation Army’s response in Venezuela is continuing to grow, with teams reaching multiple affected communities. They have been distributing essential relief items and offering practical, emotional and spiritual support in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes.
The Salvation Army’s Regional Coordinator, Captain Edicson Sánchez, said: “In the most difficult moments, when communities are facing the pain and devastation caused by disasters, our mission becomes even stronger. Today, more than ever, we reaffirm our commitment to serve without discrimination and to be a beacon of hope in the midst of recovery.”
With thanks to donations from Canada, USA, France, the Netherlands, Norway and other partnerships, The Salvation Army is now preparing to scale up assistance with the United Nations, local authorities and other organisations on the ground.
Next steps include further targeted distributions in underserved areas, ongoing community mapping and needs assessments, participation in UN coordination meetings and development of a larger International Emergency Services-supported response project.
Latest government figures report that more than 2295 people have died, with more than 40,000 still missing as of 30 June. Ministry of Health reports indicate that 11,267 people have been injured, while UNOCHA has reported that 15,800 people have been directly affected and 6400 rescued.
Practical help on the ground
The Salvation Army teams have reached approximately 160 affected individuals across central Caracas, the Historic City Centre, Lecuna Avenue, Bolivar Avenue, Nuevo Circo and surrounding communities and have distributed personal hygiene items and basic relief supplies. Essential food supplies including flour, sugar, rice, canned tuna and other items have also been distributed.
In addition, the teams have provided much-needed spiritual care, prayer and encouragement to individuals and families who are dealing with exhaustion, grief and uncertainty.
In the Kilometro 24 community in El Junquito, where families are living in temporary shelters, teams have distributed essential supplies including flour, sugar, rice and canned tuna.
Storage and distribution operations have been established through Diego Pilar School complementing activities based at Emmanuel Church. Further needs assessments have been carried out in communities around the church currently hosting the response team. Donated items have been unloaded and sorted from a container shipment and the teams have taken part in coordination meetings with other organisations operating in the area.
Salvation Army teams are working alongside Civil Protection and rescue teams, providing much-needed meals, hot drinks and hygiene kits to frontline responders who are working long hours clearing rubble.
Challenges remain
Access across Caracas remains difficult, with congestion, road closures and restricted movement around the main collapse area continuing to affect operations. Flights are now landing in Valencia, around two to three hours from the team’s base, adding further logistical challenges.
Ongoing aftershocks also remain a concern. On 1 July, a 4.1 magnitude tremor affected the airport in Caracas. Teams continue to operate under heightened alert while monitoring seismic activity and its impact on communities and response work.
A ministry of presence and hope
The humanitarian situation remains deeply challenging. Many communities are living with fear, uncertainty and displacement, while large numbers of families remain separated from loved ones who are still missing. Needs are significant across all age groups, including children, older people and vulnerable individuals.
Next steps include further targeted distributions in underserved areas, ongoing community mapping and needs assessments, participation in UN coordination meetings and development of a larger International Emergency Services-supported response project.
The Salvation Army remains deeply grateful for continued prayers and support. Please pray for those who have lost loved ones, families still waiting for news, responders and volunteers working in difficult conditions, and for wisdom, protection and strength for all involved.
