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UN: Nearly 7 Million May Be Affected by Venezuela Earthquakes
🇵🇦 Panama /Disasters & Emergencies

UN: Nearly 7 Million May Be Affected by Venezuela Earthquakes

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The UN estimates that up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the recent devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.
  • The quakes, which registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, caused nearly 1,000 deaths and tens of thousands of disappearances.
  • The International Organization for Migrations (IOM) is deploying emergency relief and working with the government to provide essential aid, warning that displacement is likely to increase.

The United Nations estimates that up to 6.76 million people may be affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. The powerful tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, have resulted in nearly 1,000 confirmed deaths and left tens of thousands missing, with many still trapped under debris.

Up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes that shook Venezuela on June 24.

— International Organization for Migrations (IOM)Estimating the potential scale of the disaster's impact.

The International Organization for Migrations (IOM), part of the UN, issued a statement highlighting the massive potential humanitarian impact of the disaster. Initial satellite mapping analysis, conducted with Microsoft's AI laboratory, revealed that 31.5% of buildings in Catia La Mar suffered damage. This data is crucial for humanitarian teams to identify the most affected communities and prioritize aid delivery.

Buildings collapsed entirely in La Guaira, north of Caracas, following the twin earthquakes. The national death toll stands at 920, according to official figures, while search and rescue operations continue in coastal regions and elsewhere. The UN's head of humanitarian aid, Tom Fletcher, reported on Friday that over 50,000 people were unaccounted for.

The first hours and days after a disaster are decisive. They determine everything that comes next.

— Amy PopeDirector of the IOM, emphasizing the urgency of the response.

IOM Director Amy Pope emphasized the critical nature of the initial hours and days following a disaster. "The IOM is rapidly scaling up its response: prepared relief items are already being deployed, and we are working with the Government and partners to provide emergency shelter, essential supplies, and protection," Pope stated. The organization warned that displacement is expected to rise in Venezuela, a country already grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis prior to the earthquakes.

The IOM is rapidly scaling up its response: prepared relief items are already being deployed, and we are working with the Government and partners to provide emergency shelter, essential supplies, and protection.

— Amy PopeDetailing the IOM's immediate actions and collaborations.

Pope stressed the need for a swift response to provide assistance and support to the Venezuelan people during the challenging times ahead. The IOM highlighted the immediate and significant needs, including emergency shelter, water, sanitation, medical care, and protection services for families who have lost everything. Emergency relief supplies prepared in Caracas are being readied for distribution to the communities most in need.

A rapid response is essential while we provide assistance and support to the people of Venezuela during the difficult days and months ahead.

— Amy PopeUnderscoring the critical need for timely aid.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by TVN Panamá in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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