The Salvation Army assesses needs following Venezuela earthquakes
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Salvation Army is carrying out an initial needs assessment in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck the country on the evening of 24 June.
The earthquakes, reported at magnitudes of 7.1 and 7.5, struck in rapid succession at approximately 18:04 local time, as many people were gathered at home during a national holiday. Tremors were felt across the country, and the government has declared a national emergency.
Initial reports have confirmed at least 32 deaths and more than 700 injuries, with national authorities also reporting thousands of people missing or unaccounted for. The US Geological Survey has warned that the eventual loss of life could be significantly higher.
Assessing the needs
Ricardo Gomez is the Development and Emergency Coordinator in The Salvation Army’s Latin America North Territory, which oversees the organisation’s work in Venezuela.
“We received reports of a major earthquake in Venezuela with preliminary reports of significant damage, including possible building collapses, although we are still working to verify the situation,” he said.
“We are carrying out an initial assessment to better understand the impact and determine whether there may be a realistic opportunity for us to provide some form of intervention or support in response to the situation.”
Initial information indicates that The Salvation Army family in Venezuela is safe, as corps are located away from the area closest to the reported epicentre near Caracas. This will continue to be verified as the needs assessment progresses.
The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services, based at International Headquarters in London, is on standby to provide further assistance as soon as possible.
Widespread damage reported
The National Red Cross Society has described damage to residential and commercial buildings, with reports of structural collapses in parts of Caracas and damage to infrastructure in several affected areas.
Search and rescue operations have been activated while authorities continue rapid damage assessments. Power and telecommunications interruptions have been reported in some locations, and hospitals are receiving injured people.
The Salvation Army at International Headquarters offers prayers for all those affected by the earthquakes, and for everyone working tirelessly to provide support in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
The Salvation Army in Venezuela
The Salvation Army’s presence in Venezuela is part of the Latin America North Territory, which includes work in nine other countries in the region. Alongside its church presence, The Salvation Army’s community work includes family support, education, support for older people, and responses to end modern slavery and human trafficking.
The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services team supports local and national Salvation Army programmes around the world to prepare for crises and respond when emergencies and disasters occur.
For more information on the Latin America North Territory, click here.
