Following the severe earthquakes in Venezuela last June, Diaconaat launched an emergency relief campaign, to which churches and church members have been fully committed ever since. Through partner organisations, we are providing aid to the affected areas. What is the current situation, and what assistance are the partners providing?
Damage and shortages
The damage in Venezuela is extensive: as a result of the two earthquakes and the numerous aftershocks, buildings and infrastructure have collapsed or been damaged, and there are severe shortages. Families who have lost their homes are in urgent need of food, water and hygiene products. The earthquakes came on top of economic problems, poverty and political uncertainty. 7.9 million Venezuelans were already in need of humanitarian aid.
Short story: Elise lives in a tent outside her house
Elise lives in La Guaira with, amongst others, her young daughter and brother. She ran a successful little home-based business making street food. Her house was damaged during the earthquake. And because her neighbours’ house is on the verge of collapsing and threatens to fall onto hers, her home has been given a red label. As a result, she is no longer allowed to enter a large part of her house. However, she does not want to leave the property: in her experience, abandoned homes are looted or even taken over.
That is why she has been given a tent and is now living on the street, outside her home. For the time being, she, her daughter and her brother will have to live in the tent. Without her small business, it is incredibly difficult for Elisa to make ends meet and provide for her family’s basic needs.
Support: basic products and repairs
Our partner is providing affected families with the help they need most right now. Selected families receive vouchers which they can use at specific local shops to buy essential basic goods. Over the next three months, they will receive at least one voucher per month. Where possible, our partner also aims to help families carry out minor repairs to their damaged homes.
Priorities
Priority is being given to the areas where the damage is greatest and where aid is most urgently needed. Emergency aid has therefore begun in La Guaira. Where possible, our partner is extending its aid to other affected areas such as Caracas, Miranda, Carabobo, Yaracuy, Falcón and Aragua.
The future
The extent of the emergency aid will depend on the funds that are yet to be received and on how the situation develops.
Within our churches, there has been a generous response to the emergency appeal for Venezuela so far. Both churches and church members have been actively involved and, together, have raised the impressive sum of over €110,000 to date. On behalf of the ‘Elises’, thank you very much!
You can still make a contribution via the project page. Will you please include the local people in your prayers?
