With the launch of the UK Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal to meet the needs of people affected by the two devastating earthquakes that hit Venezuela at the end of June, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) is encouraging its members to support the DEC appeal and the work of its relief and development partners on the ground.
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PCI encourages support for Venezuela
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 came just 39 seconds apart in the early evening of 24 June, a national holiday in the country. As they hit north-central Venezuela, the quakes were felt throughout the country, as well as in neighbouring Colombia and across the Caribbean region. Encouraging people to support the DEC appeal, Rev Uel Marrs, Council for Global Mission Secretary said,
“The earthquakes in Venezuela have devastated an already fragile country, causing widespread fear and suffering. Buildings and infrastructure have been damaged and many people have lost their lives, while others remain in need of humanitarian support.
“As of this week, I understand that the death toll stands at 3,300, with 16,700 people injured and an estimated 680,000 children in need of humanitarian assistance with nearly 100,000 buildings destroyed. This includes homes, and businesses, along with widespread damage to important infrastructure affecting roads, electricity, water and health services. As aftershocks continue, many people are sleeping in open spaces, reluctant to return to their homes in fear of further collapse.
“Although we don’t have any PCI partners in the country, we commend the work of our relief and development partners, Tearfund and Christian Aid as they respond to immediate and long term needs of the people. We know they appreciate both the prayers and financial support of Presbyterians in Ireland.”
PCI’s relief and development partners and DEC members, Christian Aid and Tearfund, are responding to the crisis through their local partners on the ground. These include The Baptist Convention of Venezuela, Swiss Church Aid (HEKS) and the Lutheran World Federation. Donations will help to prevent further suffering and will enable partners to provide water hygiene kits, dignity kits for adolescent girls, food supplies and cash assistance for urgent needs. Carlos E. Mejia, Head of Impact, Christian Aid Latin America and the Caribbean’ said,
“Venezuela is facing immense human suffering. These earthquakes have deepened an already difficult situation, causing widespread destruction and loss. The impact is not just measured in numbers, but in lives, families and communities now facing grief and uncertainty.
“Through our partnerships with faith-based networks, we are working to channel solidarity and support from communities in the UK to those affected. This is a tangible expression of hope in the face of tragedy.”
Isaac Delgado, Communications and Promotion Director for Tearfund’s partner, the Baptist Convention of Venezuela, also spoke about the situation.
“We are looking at a critical situation with collapsed residential buildings, severe structural damage, and thousands of families currently sleeping in the street due to the intense aftershocks.
“Our teams have successfully made their way into La Guaira, [the country's main port] and we're actively on the ground doing intensive field work, directly assisting the victims and deploying emergency aid where it is needed most. As we continue our fieldwork through the debris and the panic, we urgently request your prayers, your help.”
Prayer points
Rev Uel Marrs also encouraged congregations to pray:
- For Tearfund and Christian Aid partners, who are seeking to respond in the midst of enormous need
- For those who are hurt and grieving, that they would know God through their physical and emotional recovery
- For the country of Venezuela, where millions of people were already in need of humanitarian assistance before the earthquake, facing food insecurity, poverty and a collapsing health service.
Donating to the appeal
If you would like to donate to the DEC Appeal, donations can be made directly through PCI’s relief and development partner websites:
- Christian Aid and
- Tearfund