Jesuit Missions launches emergency appeal after earthquakes in Venezuela

Thousands of people are missing after the devastating quakes - Image: Ibane Azpirritxaga

Source: Jesuit Missions

Jesuit Missions has launched an urgent appeal in response to the destructive earthquakes which hit Venezuela last week.

On the evening of 24 June, two powerful earthquakes struck within minutes of each other, devastating communities already facing hardship and uncertainty.

Homes have collapsed, schools and hospitals have been damaged, and families have been forced to flee, with many now sleeping outside in fear of further aftershocks.

Nearly 60,000 people remain missing, more than 1,000 have been injured, and over 1,500 are now known to have lost their lives. For those who have survived, the struggle to rebuild has only just begun.

Jesuit Missions is working alongside its trusted partners around the world and in the country, who are already present in the affected areas.

They are responding quickly, providing:

- Emergency shelter for families who have lost everything
- Access to food, clean water, and healthcare
- Psychosocial support for those coping with trauma and loss

The need is urgent, and the scale of the damage is still unfolding. Having local partners in the community means the help provided will go directly to those most affected now and in the coming weeks.

Jesuit Missions' response is being coordinated in collaboration with the Xavier Network, a collection of Jesuit international mission and development agencies from around the world.

The British Jesuit Province has already committed £10,000 to this emergency response. With further support, Jesuit Missions hopes to match this and reach as many families affected by the earthquake as possible.

LINKS

Donations can be given HERE

Jesuit Missions: www.jesuit.org.uk/

Xavier Network: https://xavier.network/