Women reclaiming their future in Syria
For years, Khan Shaykhoun in southern Idlib was known around the world as a symbol of the Syrian war. Right here, Norwegian Church Aid has established a center for women and girls. Everyone we meet carries…
Norwegian Church Aid Responds to Earthquake Emergency in Venezuela
Norwegian Church Aid is providing cash assistance to families affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June. Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, have triggered a major humanitarian crisis across the country.
So far, 1,700 people have been confirmed dead, more than 5,000 have been injured, and thousands of families have lost their homes. At the same time, hundreds of aftershocks continue to shake the hardest-hit areas, creating fear and uncertainty among the population.
According to preliminary estimates, 6.7 million people have been affected by the disaster, with approximately 1.8 million in need of humanitarian assistance. Among them are around 680,000 children.
The worst-affected areas include La Guaira, Caracas, Miranda, Carabobo, and Yaracuy, where destroyed homes, damaged health facilities, and the collapse of critical infrastructure are making daily life increasingly difficult. Widespread power outages, disrupted telecommunications, water shortages, and airport closures are further hampering relief efforts.
“This disaster comes on top of existing humanitarian challenges. Many families who were already living under difficult conditions have now lost their homes, their livelihoods, and access to essential services. Thanks to our annual Lent Campaign and the support of our donors, Norwegian Church Aid is able to respond in Venezuela,” says Linda Nordby, Head of Humanitarian Response at Norwegian Church Aid.
Local Partners Mobilize Quickly
While authorities and international agencies work to assess the full extent of the crisis, local organizations and church networks have already launched emergency relief operations. Norwegian Church Aid is responding through its global alliance, Action by Churches Together (ACT Alliance).
The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) was among the first organizations on the ground in La Guaira and El Junquito. Working through strong local partnerships, LWF has begun rapid needs assessments and the distribution of emergency assistance. Food packages and essential supplies for families who have lost their homes are among the first forms of support being delivered.
HEKS/EPER is supporting the response through mobile health clinics operated by its local partner, Maniapure. More than 40 health workers are involved in the effort, and over 1,000 people have already received medical care. Partners are also distributing food in hospitals and in makeshift camps for internally displaced people.
“The needs are enormous. In La Guaira, a newly established camp is currently sheltering around 2,000 people and has the capacity to host another 1,000. Together with our partners, we are delivering an integrated response that addresses several urgent needs at once,” Nordby says.
Health System Under Severe Pressure
Hospitals and health clinics are reporting overcrowded wards, critical shortages of medicines and medical equipment, and a growing number of injured people requiring treatment.
Through local partners, medicines and medical supplies are being collected and distributed to both community health centres and public hospitals. Volunteers are contributing with everything from patient care and logistics to preparing meals for health workers operating under extremely challenging conditions.
Access to safe water has also become a priority. Hundreds of water filters are being distributed to hospitals, shelters, and affected families to help prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
Major Challenges for Humanitarian Response
Although relief operations are underway, humanitarian organizations are facing significant obstacles.
Local markets are rapidly running out of essential goods, prices are rising sharply, and competition for available resources is increasing as more international organizations arrive in the country. This is making it increasingly difficult to procure food, medicines, and emergency supplies.
Recovery Will Take Time
As access improves and more areas are assessed, the number of people affected and in need of assistance is expected to rise further. Humanitarian organizations stress that the response now goes far beyond immediate emergency relief.
Families need safe shelter, healthcare, clean water, food, and support to rebuild their lives after one of the most serious natural disasters Venezuela has experienced in many years.
Local organizations and church networks play a vital role in this work. With their deep roots in the communities and their local knowledge, they are among the first to reach those most affected and they will be among the last to leave when the acute phase of the crisis is eventually over.
Read more about our work
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