Victims of powerful twin earthquakes that jolted Venezuela last month are overwhelming relief services, with non-governmental organizations reporting a surge in demand for aid. The United Nations has launched an appeal for approximately $300 million to assist 1.3 million people in urgent need.
Mobile kitchens, clinics, and field hospitals have been deployed in the northern state of La Guaira, the area most affected by the tremors. U.N. relief chief Tom Fletcher noted that people are seeking treatment for chronic health conditions they have been unable to address since the quakes.
Doctors in the Catia La Mar community have reported an increase in skin conditions, diarrheal diseases, and requests for medications for chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. These emerging health issues are exacerbated by crowded living conditions and pre-existing poor water and sanitation infrastructure, which were worsened by the earthquakes.
Many displaced individuals are living in temporary shelters or outdoors after the earthquakes collapsed or damaged hundreds of buildings. The Venezuelan government estimates that about 18,000 people lost their homes. International aid, primarily from the United States, is being delivered by local groups in partnership with global humanitarian organizations.
One displaced resident, Zulbey Reyes, sought treatment for chest pain at a clinic run by the Venezuela-based organization Paluz in partnership with the International Rescue Committee. Reyes was diagnosed with an inflamed nerve, which she attributes to the stress and screaming during the earthquakes.
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction estimates direct physical damage to housing and infrastructure at around $37 billion. The current widespread presence and freedom of operation for non-governmental organizations stand in contrast to recent years, when they were often targets of government repression and accused of anti-government activities.