Source: Save the Children
Rescuers are racing to find people trapped in the rubble of collapsed buildings after two massive earthquakes struck west of the capital Caracas, forcing children and their families from their homes, Save the Children said.
The double earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude have cut off communications and power in some areas so the extent of the destruction and casualties will take time to become clear.The earthquakes struck during the evening when many people were returning home, increasing concerns that individuals may be trapped beneath collapsed structures.
Save the Children works with partners in the affected areas and is working to assess urgent needs. Preventative evacuations have been carried out in several cities, with some children and families moving into open areas as aftershocks continue.
Fatima Andraca, Country Director, Save the Children in Venezuela said:
“Children are among the most vulnerable after these earthquakes. Some will have lost their homes and aftershocks are continuing, causing further terror for children and heightening the risk of further damage and casualties.
“While the extent of the destruction will take time to become clear, we know from past experience that children will need urgent support to access shelter, food, water and healthcare now. They may have been separated from their families in the chaos and could be at risk of exploitation and abuse.
“Save the Children is assessing the situation on the ground and working with our staff and local partners to understand urgent needs and support affected families as quickly as possible.”
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.