We see families everywhere on the street - families who have lost everything and cannot return to the ruins of their homes,” says Fatima Andraca, Country Director of Save the Children in Venezuela. “There is great uncertainty for them about what the coming hours and days will bring. Fear, stress, and overwhelming sadness are omnipresent. Families come to me with tears in their eyes to tell me their stories. Some are still desperately searching for relatives or friends.
Save the Children is working with local partner organisations and authorities to support family reunification efforts. This includes identifying unaccompanied children and referring them to the appropriate protection services. The children’s rights organisation is also providing psychological and psychosocial emergency aid and will set up mobile safe spaces where children can receive essentials such as tents and hygiene kits, as well as participate in learning activities while schools are closed.
For children, the loss of everything familiar and comforting is immeasurable,” adds Fatima Andraca. “Protection and psychosocial support are therefore a priority. Given the many dead, injured, and missing, children urgently need long-term support to prevent this disaster from leaving lasting psychological damage.
Save the Children immediately released $1.5 million from its children's emergency fund after the severe quakes to increase support on the ground. The children's rights organisation has been active in Venezuela since 2018 – with a country office since 2019 – and collaborates with local partner organisations. In addition to child protection measures, Save the Children is also involved in healthcare. The organisation is preparing to set up mobile clinics, distribute hygiene kits, drinking water and other essential relief supplies, and organise nutritional screenings for children.
The need for aid for those in the earthquake-affected area is enormous. According to the UN, up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the disaster. Critical infrastructure, including electricity and water supplies, telecommunications, and transport routes, remains severely disrupted. The already poorly equipped hospitals are overwhelmed due to the number of injured, and schools in the affected areas are closed.
For interview requests, please contact the media contact below.
contact:
Melina Stavrinos
Media and Communications Manager
+41 44 267 74 68
melina.stavrinos@savethechildren.ch