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, more than 4,490 people have been killed, 16,740 people have been injured, over 17,000 people have been left without housing, 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 $9.5 million to deliver lifesaving assistance for children and families affected by the earthquakes
• Delivering more than 82 metric tons of emergency supplies, including health kits, water purification and storage equipment, tents for child-friendly spaces and early childhood development and recreational kits
• Working with government and humanitarian partners to deliver lifesaving assistance and expand emergency services where children need them most
• Providing children with health care, nutrition, safe water, psychosocial support, child-friendly spaces and education as communities 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.
