Particularly affected are the capital Caracas and the northern coastal region - areas where people are already suffering greatly due to the ongoing economic crisis, food shortages, and hyperinflation. Numerous buildings have collapsed, and public infrastructure has been destroyed. The exact extent of the damage, as well as the number of fatalities and injured, is not yet quantifiable.
"The catastrophe hits a region already in severe distress; many people were living in extreme poverty, suffering from malnutrition, and had no reliable access to medical care even before the quake. The devastating quake now exacerbates the plight," says Rafael Filliger, Programme Director Venezuela for Caritas Switzerland.
On-site, the local Caritas and the international Caritas network are coordinating the initial relief efforts. Drinking water, food, medical care, and emergency shelters are urgently needed.
Caritas Switzerland is calling for donations to help the earthquake victims in Venezuela. www.caritas.ch/venezuelabeben
Contact and arrangement of interviews
Niels Jost, Media Spokesperson Caritas Switzerland
medien@caritas.ch
076 233 45 04