Avoid Creating Improvised Shelters After Earthquakes in Venezuela, Experts Recommend

Susana Raffalli, a humanitarian response advisor for Cáritas Venezuela, has advised against the public creating their own makeshift shelters following the recent double earthquake. She stressed that these temporary spaces require specialized protocols to ensure safety and proper care for those affected.

Raffalli recommended that affected individuals utilize state-provided shelters, which are typically supported by United Nations agencies, or seek refuge in established shelters run by religious organizations with prior experience in disaster response. She explained that setting up shelters independently carries significant risks due to the need for preparedness and specialized knowledge.

Key considerations for any shelter, Raffalli noted, include prior inspection to rule out dangers from potential aftershocks, and designated areas for families and those requiring medical attention. She also highlighted the importance of providing essential services such as food, clean water, physical and mental health care, vaccination, recreation, and legal assistance for document replacement, all while maintaining personal privacy.

Furthermore, Raffalli called for special protection measures for children, suggesting identification bracelets with contact information. She advised against separating minors from their caregivers, cautioned against children going to bathrooms alone, and urged against sharing photos or locations of sheltered children, especially orphans. The advisor also recommended secure areas for maternal and infant feeding, equipped with portable stoves and potable water for sterilizing bottles and preparing infant formula hygienically.