IRELAND IS SENDING relief items to Venezuela to support those affected by two powerful earthquakes that struck the South American country last month. 

The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes struck within a minute of each other on 24 June, decimating the coastal state of La Guaira located north of Caracas.

According to the latest toll, the disaster has so far killed 4,829 people. The tremors injured 16,740 people, most of whom have been discharged from hospital. 

At least 20,857 people made homeless by the quakes are living in overcrowded camps, many of which lack water supplies and proper sanitation systems.

Rescue workers and family members in La Guaira are continuing to search for victims buried under collapsed buildings, three weeks after the quakes struck.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the relief items are being provided to the charities GOAL and CESVI, a partner of Concern Worldwide.

Volunteer medical brigades composed of doctors and medical students providing healthcare and distributing essential medicines to earthquake survivors in La Guaira. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

They include essential supplies for displaced people, such as blankets, tarpaulins, kitchen sets and water jerry cans. 

The items are being flown to Venezuela from Ireland’s pre-positioned emergency supplies in the UN Humanitarian Response Depots (UNHRD) in Panama. 

They are being transported with the support of the EU’s humanitarian department ECHO. The flights will also carry water, sanitation and health items from other humanitarian partners.

The first flights have already arrived in Caracas, with more flights planned this week.

It comes after the department announced €1 million for the Venezuelan Earthquake Appeal of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on 30 June. 

This contribution complements Ireland’s other support to the Venezuelan earthquake response through pre-positioned humanitarian funding to Irish NGOs and support to the Venezuela Red Cross through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

“These relief items will allow GOAL and CESVI to support those who have been displaced by these devastating earthquakes,” McEntee said.

“The death toll sadly continues to rise, and many remain missing. Tens of thousands are affected by the destruction of homes, businesses and essential infrastructure.”

She added: “As Ireland assumes the EU Presidency, it is fitting that our assistance is delivered as part of Team Europe. The EU Humanitarian Airbridge allows Ireland to quickly and efficiently deliver these items to those in need.”

Under the department’s rapid response initiative, Ireland pre-positions emergency and humanitarian relief items around the world in UN Humanitarian Response Depots which are strategically located near disaster and crisis prone areas.

Ireland’s stocks are located in Dubai, Brindisi and Panama City. The UN procures and stores Ireland’s stocks, and also arranges for their packaging and transport to the crisis affected country.

Stockpiling relief items allows Ireland to obtain lower prices through economies of scale, with prices agreed and purchases finalised before a crisis strikes. It also facilitates faster delivery of stocks into crises and shared and lower transport costs.