Initial €100,000 to be dispatched after deadly double earthquake

AID to the Church in Need (ACN) is to send out €100,000 (£86,410) in a first response to the devastating earthquake in Venezuela that has claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands homeless.

Less than 48 hours after the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 quakes on Wednesday (24th June), the Catholic charity announced an initial tranche of aid to be co-ordinated by the Church as figures for the number of fatalities, people still missing and those made homeless continue to skyrocket. 

ACN opened up an emergency appeal fund on Thursday and within a few hours the charity had already seen a huge outpouring of donations and prayers. 

Dr Caroline Hull, ACN (UK) National Director, said: “I have been deeply moved – but not surprised – by the generous prayers and support offered by ACN benefactors here in the UK and around the world. 

“When the Church suffers, compassion becomes action – ACN benefactors do not turn away but respond with the help most needed.”

In Venezuela the charity is supporting the work of priests and religious communities which, despite having suffered huge losses and disruption, are accompanying the victims, welcoming homeless families into Church buildings and spiritually supporting communities struck by fear, mourning and uncertainty.

According to the latest official figures, at least 589 people have died, more than 4,300 have been injured and some 200 people are waiting to be rescued from collapsed buildings. 

Nearly 50,000 people are still missing or unaccounted for. Regional authorities in La Guaira – which has been declared a disaster zone – estimate that around 70,000 families have been affected in that state alone. Search and rescue teams are working around the clock.

The full extent of the disaster is unknown at this stage and may take days.

Luis Vildoso, ACN's project manager for Venezuela, said: “The Church…remains with the people. It comforts those who mourn, accompanies families searching for loved ones, and opens its doors to all who need shelter.

“Alongside this pastoral response, we are already assessing the damage to determine how ACN can best support the Church in this emergency, but also in the long-term reconstruction of the Church’s mission.”

Dr Hull added: “Please pray for those who have lost their lives in the recent earthquakes. “Please continue to hold close in prayer and love all who need help. And please remember those brave clergy and Sisters whose self-sacrifice keeps hope alive for the future.”