Red Cross Launch Appeal For Venezuela
The Red Cross is appealing for donations after a powerful earthquake caused widespread damage in Venezuela, with the reported death toll nearing 1,000 and expected to increase as more information emerges about the extent of the disaster.
A spokesperson said, “Fewer than 48 hours after two strong earthquakes struck Venezuela, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies [IFRC] has launched an Emergency Appeal for 50 million Swiss francs [US$61,842,900]. Money raised will support the Venezuelan Red Cross in assisting 300,000 people seriously hit. The initial focus will be on La Guaira and Greater Caracas, where the destruction is most severe.
“These quakes have been devastating for the people of Venezuela,” said Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the IFRC. ”Tens of thousands of lives have changed forever. IFRC and Venezuelan Red Cross teams responded immediately; the value of having local teams, permanently in place, has already become clear. But a disaster of this scale cannot rest on local shoulders alone. We call on the international community to support our emergency appeal, providing support over coming days and for the long road ahead.”
A spokesperson added, “There has been widespread destruction to homes and businesses, with reports of structural collapses in parts of Caracas and across several states. Critical infrastructure has also suffered, with damage to airports, hospitals, transport and other public services. Power and phone lines have been disrupted isolating some of the affected communities.
“While the situation in Venezuela following the earthquake is still developing, the humanitarian needs are serious and urgent. The Venezuelan Red Cross Society [VRCS] responded immediately. Their efforts so far have included:
- “Emergency medical response: getting ambulances into the Capital District to help treat those in need of urgent medical care and to transport injured people to hospital.
- “Search and rescue: specialist teams are supporting rescue efforts in areas where buildings and infrastructure have totally collapsed. Their focus is on saving as many lives as possible in these critical early stages.
- “Preparing shelter facilities: making sure people whose homes are no longer safe to stay in have somewhere they can rest, with access to essential items, advice and emotional support.
- “Ongoing crisis assessment: working with local authorities and colleagues of the International Federation of the Red Cross, VRCS will continue to assess the growing humanitarian needs, so that they can get support to those that need it, fast.
“With communications disrupted and many families separated and because large Venezuelan communities live across the region, National Red Cross Societies in ten countries [Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina] have activated restoring family links services to help people find news of their relatives.
“Donations can be made by direct deposit into the following account:
- Bank of N.T. Butterfield 20 006 060 663859 200
“Or go online to our website www.bermudaredcross.com to use your debit/credit card, or call us at 236-8253 Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm with your card details or mail or stop in at our offices:
- Bermuda Red Cross
- Venezuelan Earthquake Appeal
- 11 Berry Hill Road,
- Paget DV 03
“The best way to help a disaster victim is through a financial donation to the Red Cross. Financial contributions allow the Red Cross to purchase exactly what is needed for the disaster relief operation. The Red Cross initially responds to most international relief efforts with monetary support, and, when needed, ships items such as comfort kits, clean-up kits, medical supplies, tents, tarps and water.
“Monetary donations also enable the Red Cross to purchase relief supplies close to the disaster site, which avoids delays, and transportation costs in getting necessities to disaster victims. Because the affected community has generally experienced significant economic loss, purchasing relief supplies in or close to the disaster site also helps to stimulate the weakened local economy.”
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