Together with Venezuela
On 24 June, two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, seconds apart, without warning. The resulting scenes left more than 2000 dead, thousands more injured and many more displaced. Images of tents, campfires, and people huddled together in makeshift camps can be seen across the outskirts and inner city areas of Caracas. A darker, woeful picture of rescue workers continuing to search for the thousands still buried under the rubble, remains in view.
Remar SOS found itself in the immediate aftermath. The mission was clear: to distribute water, food, blankets, clothing and shelter. We continue to engage with the people who so desperately need assistance, having just lost nearly everything, and for some, everyone. Remar was able to secure a building that will host 200 IDPs, and includes a kitchen that will feed them in the mess hall. In the streets we’ve set up tables, where boxes of food are delivered, carried by our volunteers. The joy on the faces of the young children as they receive meals reminds us of the impact small acts of kindness have in the aftermath of such traumatic devastation.
These images are a reminders of the earthquakes in Türkiye, where Remar SOS stationed itself for a while to help those affected. Now we are in Venezuela, and the extent of destruction is not new. The people’s suffering is not to be overlooked, nor should their hunger or thirst be ignored. As we served before, Remar SOS does again, by placing ourselves in the midst of the people, and sharing in their suffering. Our vans filled with water bottles and food, or our tables stacked with meals, and our building that will host 200 people – they are not ours, but they are for those who live in tents and have nowhere to call home anymore.
Remar SOS is here in Venezuela to stand alongside those affected by these devastating earthquakes. As long as there are families in need of food, shelter, comfort, and hope, we will continue serving in every way we can. It is our privilege to walk alongside the people of Venezuela during this difficult time, to share in their burdens, celebrate every small victory, and remind them that they are not alone. Together, we look beyond the devastation toward the hope of rebuilding lives, homes, and communities.
