Venezuela after the earthquakes: 'Those who have nothing are giving everything'

Over 250 volunteers in Petare Diocese have mobilised to help earthquake survivors © ACN

Source: Aid to the Church in Need

Catholic leaders desperate to help in the wake of Venezuela's earthquakes have mobilised an urgent programme for wounded people in an area of Caracas known as 'Latin America's largest slum'.

Bishop Juan Carlos Bravo Salazar of Petare told Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) that his diocese - where four of the largest hospitals are receiving most of the wounded - has mobilised more than 250 volunteers.

Although this district is densely populated and an area of great destitution, solid rock foundations mean there were no deaths or injuries, so the region has been deemed safe for people to receive help.

Bishop Salazar said: "We are providing medication, surgical equipment, cleaning materials and food, but also clothes, because many of those who arrive come with nothing at all. The generosity of the people has been enormous, a true blessing of God. Their willingness to help, to work together, to be present, to sort out clothes and medicine, or just to transport and carry the aid has been admirable…. We can see God's footprints and his presence in all we are doing."

The latest official figures state more than 1,900 deaths have been recorded so far in Venezuela since the earthquakes hit a week ago and tens of thousands remain missing.

ACN has approved an initial emergency aid package of £86,000 (€100,000) to support the local Church's response to the catastrophe.

Bishop Salazar described returning to Petare after Venezuela's 24th June earthquakes and finding the area largely intact - despite expecting it would be hardest hit.

He said: "Petare in one of the poorest and most densely populated areas of Caracas. They call it Latin America's largest slum. You'd think that the poorer neighbourhoods would be the first to collapse in an earthquake, but Petare remained intact.

We had no deaths or wounded as a direct consequence of the earthquake, because we have solid rock beneath us. But we did suffer some structural damage in churches, chapels, rectories and some houses. Around 90 percent of our diocese is poor - but this emergency turned Petare, which is a vulnerable area, into a key launchpad for help to the wounded in La Guaira."

Bishop Salazar shared the stories of people he had met. One woman from La Guaira searching for family members arrived at a hospital in Petare confused and did not know where to obtain medicine or clothing.

Volunteers helped to get her everything she needed and remained with her. But the bishop said that she suddenly collapsed. "We thought she had died," he said.

"But then, between tears, laughter and relief, we realised what had happened. It wasn't just accumulated exhaustion or fear. She told us that she had felt overwhelmed with gratitude at having been welcomed and helped in this way, in an unfamiliar place, and by people who expected nothing in return. Fear can break a person, but love breaks down that fear."

The bishop said there had been an outpouring of help. He added: "The poor never cease to surprise us. The poor are the greatest treasure of the Venezuelan Church. Two men came to us. They are cobblers, they collect old shoes, fix them and sell them to make a living.

"They brought us 50 pairs of shoes they had fixed to sell but instead decided to donate them to the people who had lost everything. Even those who have nothing give everything."

He said many young people were also motivated to help: "Many of them have cooperated with us, unloading trucks, sorting clothes, preparing food and transporting aid.

"One night a large truckload of water, mattresses, food and medicine arrived at one of the collection centres. It was late, and we had to call the youths to come and help. They didn't hesitate, and in 15 minutes we had the truck fully unloaded.

"They help with joy, discipline, and without seeking attention. The most important thing for them is to be there as brothers, to accompany and help."

Bishop Salazar asked ACN's friends and benefactors for their prayers.

He said: "To us, ACN means to be able to count on brothers who are always willing to stretch out their hand to us… More than asking for things, I would like ACN to continue with its charisma and avoid becoming one more bureaucratic or social aid institution, instead of a community that generates brotherhood."

With thanks to Maria Lozano

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