After two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck northern Venezuela less than a minute apart, an estimated 3.9 million children are living in the affected areas. The disaster comes on top of a severe economic crisis and political turmoil, leaving already vulnerable children and families in even greater need. According to official reports, at least 1,430 people have been killed, more than 3,000 people have been injured, and homes, schools and critical infrastructure have been destroyed.
Schools, health facilities and child protection systems have been disrupted, leaving children at increased risk of injury, family separation, displacement, psychological distress and disease. In the hours and days ahead, children will need protection, psychosocial support, safe water, health care and safe spaces as communities recover from the shock and destruction.
UNICEF is already responding by:
• Mobilizing $3.5 million in emergency funding to quickly launch lifesaving response efforts for children and families affected by the earthquakes
• Delivering more than 68 metric tons of emergency supplies, including medical equipment, tents, safe water and sanitation supplies, hygiene kits and other lifesaving items to support more than 100,000 people
• Working with government and humanitarian partners to assess urgent needs and deliver emergency assistance where children need it most
• Helping children access health care, nutrition, safe water, psychosocial support, protection and education as communities begin to recover
UNICEF is working urgently to help children and families recover from this devastating disaster. Your flexible support helps UNICEF meet the urgent needs of children. Unrestricted donations help UNICEF provide vital aid to children worldwide and will be directed to the area of greatest need.
