Venezuela quake recovery will take years, says Red Cross

The aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 will require years of recovery, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) stated Friday, one month after the disaster.

"This disaster is far from over," said Scott Craig, an IFRC spokesman. He highlighted immediate priorities including healthcare, mental health support, and access to safe drinking water, as many survivors continue to rely on bottled water for daily needs. "Survivors are living with anxiety, fear, sadness and sleeplessness as they grieve relatives, homes, jobs and livelihoods lost," Craig told reporters in Geneva.

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This disaster is far from over.

The earthquakes, measuring 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude, struck north of the capital Caracas. They resulted in over 5,000 deaths, nearly 17,000 injuries, and left approximately 23,000 people in temporary shelters. Critical infrastructure, including health centers, schools, water systems, and power grids, suffered extensive damage or destruction. Thousands of individuals with chronic health conditions are still not receiving regular treatment, posing a significant threat to their well-being.

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Survivors are living with anxiety, fear, sadness and sleeplessness as they grieve relatives, homes, jobs and livelihoods lost.

While initial search and rescue operations continue for bodies buried under rubble, the focus has shifted to humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts. The IFRC, the world's largest humanitarian network, is appealing for 50 million Swiss francs ($60 million) to assist 300,000 people over a two-year period. Currently, this appeal is only 25 percent funded.

Venezuela, an oil-rich nation, has faced prolonged economic hardship due to mismanagement and international pressure. Despite some easing of U.S. sanctions, the government faces substantial economic challenges in addressing the crisis.

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Recovery here will be measured in years, not weeks.