As Venezuela marks two months since the devastating earthquake that claimed 6,438 lives and left tens of thousands of people missing, Caritas is highlighting the extraordinary efforts of local faith communities continuing to support affected families.
While international attention has waned, many Venezuelans remain in temporary shelters and continue to face significant economic, social and psychological challenges as recovery efforts move into a new phase.
Caritas Venezuela, a member of the global Caritas network, remains one of the organisations leading response and recovery efforts across affected areas. To date, the organisation has supported more than 27,000 families and mobilised approximately 10,000 volunteers through dioceses, parishes and local communities.
Caritas Australia Humanitarian Manager Sally Thomas said the earthquake had demonstrated both the immense scale of need and the power of local communities to respond.
"Two months on, this disaster is far from over for the families affected. Many people are still living in temporary accommodation and dealing with the ongoing impacts of loss, displacement and uncertainty about the future.
"International support remains critically important, but what has been truly remarkable is the way local communities have stepped forward to care for one another."
Throughout the response, parish networks, volunteers and community leaders have been at the forefront of delivering assistance, accompanying displaced families and helping communities begin the process of recovery.
In a recent update, Caritas Venezuela described the contribution of thousands of volunteers:
"They are teachers, young people, mothers, retirees, and neighbours who decided that the suffering of others was their own as well. They are, without exaggeration, the heart of this ongoing response."
Sally Thomas said the response reflected the strength of local Church networks in times of crisis.
"When disasters occur, local communities are always the first responders and often the last to leave," she said.
"Across Venezuela, parish communities and volunteers have been walking alongside families from the very beginning and will continue to do so long after the cameras have gone."
As emergency relief transitions towards longer-term recovery, Caritas Venezuela is continuing to assist families affected by the earthquake while preparing to support the rebuilding of homes, livelihoods and community life.
"The recovery phase is often less visible than the immediate emergency response, but it is no less important. Families will need support for many months to come, and continued international solidarity will be vital" Sally Thomas concluded.
To support Caritas Australia’s Venezuela Earthquake Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/venezuela or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
Media contact: Tara Harvey 0484 002 021 tara.harvey@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au  
