AFP — Venezuela will need years to recover from the earthquakes, the Red Cross said on Friday, one month after the June 24 disaster that claimed more than 5,000 lives.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) reported that thousands of people living with chronic illnesses have yet to fully resume their medical treatments, placing their health at risk and adding further strain to a healthcare system already operating at its limits.
Medical care, mental health support, and access to safe drinking water remain the most urgent priorities, IFRC spokesperson Scott Craig said, stressing that “this catastrophe is far from over.”
“Recovery here will be measured in years, not weeks,” he told reporters in Geneva.
Craig reported that the disaster left 5,000 people dead and 17,000 injured. He also said that about 23,000 people continue to live in temporary shelters, while many families still rely on bottled water for drinking, cooking, and washing.
“Survivors are living with anxiety, fear, grief, and insomnia as they mourn the loss of loved ones, homes, jobs, and livelihoods,” the spokesperson said.
“Health centers, schools, water systems, electricity, and sewage infrastructure suffered destruction or severe damage,” he added.
The magnitude 7.5 and 7.2 earthquakes struck north of Caracas and devastated hundreds of buildings, particularly in the coastal state of La Guaira, the hardest-hit area.
One month later, search teams continue recovering bodies buried beneath the rubble. At the same time, authorities have shifted operations toward humanitarian assistance and reconstruction.
According to Craig, caring for survivors now stands as the top priority.
To support that effort, the IFRC is seeking $60 million to assist 300,000 people over the next two years. The organization has secured 25% of the funding required so far.
“We are calling for sustained and flexible funding that can support families throughout their entire recovery process, not just during the weeks when television cameras are here,” he urged.
