Devastating Venezuela Earthquakes Threaten Nearly 7 Million, UN Reports

The United Nations has indicated that almost seven million individuals might have been impacted by the recent twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela. As of Saturday, the disaster has tragically claimed close to 1,000 lives and left tens of thousands unaccounted for. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the UN's agency for migration, conducted an analysis of available population and damage statistics, concluding that “up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24th June”.

These projections, which estimate that up to two million people in the capital city of Caracas alone could be affected, “highlight the potentially vast humanitarian impact of the disaster,” the IOM stated in an official release. Following the powerful 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors on Wednesday, entire structures have collapsed in La Guaira, a region situated north of Caracas. The official death toll nationwide currently stands at 920, with many still believed to be trapped beneath the debris in the coastal city and other affected areas. Furthermore, UN aid chief Tom Fletcher informed AFP on Friday that more than 50,000 people are currently reported missing.

The IOM also revealed its collaboration with Microsoft AI for Good Lab for initial satellite mapping assessments. This analysis showed that in the town of Catia La Mar, approximately 31.5 per cent of buildings sustained damage. Such assessments are crucial, according to the IOM, as they assist humanitarian aid workers in identifying the most severely affected communities and in prioritizing the delivery of essential, life-saving assistance, even as ground-level evaluations continue.

IOM chief, Amy Pope, emphasized the critical nature of immediate action, stating in the release, “The first hours and days after a disaster are decisive. They shape everything that follows.” She added that “IOM is scaling up rapidly: prepositioned relief items are already being deployed, and we are working with the Government and partners to deliver emergency shelter, essential supplies, and protection.”

Pope cautioned that internal displacement is expected to increase significantly in Venezuela, a nation already grappling with a humanitarian crisis even before the earthquakes hit. She underscored that “a swift response is essential as we deliver life-saving assistance and support the people of Venezuela through the difficult days and months ahead.” The UN migration agency highlighted that the needs are “immediate and significant,” with families who have lost everything requiring everything from emergency shelter, safe water, and sanitation services to healthcare and protection support.

The IOM confirmed that emergency relief provisions had been pre-positioned in Caracas and are “now being prepared for distribution to communities with the greatest needs.” The agency urged the global community to respond promptly and offer support, reiterating that “timely humanitarian assistance will save lives, alleviate suffering and help affected communities begin the long road to recovery.”