Both the Red Cross and the United Nations have mobilised assistance for Venezuela following the earthquakes.
The Red Cross says that “full human impact” of the Venezuelan earthquakes is not yet known, adding that its Venezuelan branch is “operational and responding”.
In a statement online, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) says the “most urgent anticipated needs” are search and rescue as well emergency shelter and health care.
The federation adds safe water and sanitation, alongside essential household items, are expected to be priorities in the days ahead.
Tom Fletcher, the UN’s under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief, says in an update a rapid response team was being prepared to support its existing team in Venezuela.
He adds that the disaster “risks deepening existing vulnerabilities”, saying eight million people were already in need of humanitarian support in the country before the earthquakes, and urges a “massive collective effort” to support the government-led response.
