The Daily Journal.— The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched a $61 million emergency appeal on Friday to fund relief operations in Venezuela following the earthquakes that struck the country’s northern region.
The organization will use the funds raised through the appeal to strengthen the operational capacity of the Venezuelan Red Cross and to provide humanitarian assistance to approximately 300,000 people affected by the disaster. The initial response will focus on La Guaira state and the Greater Caracas area, where authorities have reported the most extensive infrastructure damage.
“A disaster of this magnitude cannot rest solely on local shoulders. We call on the international community to support our emergency appeal by providing assistance in the coming days and throughout the long recovery that lies ahead,” said IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain.
Emergency funds released, relief supplies on the way
As part of its immediate response to the earthquakes, the federation released 2 million Swiss francs ($2.47 million) from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund.
The organization also coordinated the first humanitarian shipments to Venezuela. On Friday, the first cargo flight departed from the IFRC’s regional logistics hub in Panama carrying 17 tons of relief supplies. The shipment includes mosquito nets, kitchen sets, personal hygiene items, and other essential supplies to support families affected by the disaster.
With information from EFE.
