Venezuela is one of the poorest countries in Latin America. It struggles with rampant inflation, unemployment, goods shortages and a high crime rate. International sanctions, primarily from the US, have weakened the country further. Its infrastructure is crumbling, almost non existent.
So when an earthquake like this hits, there are no efficient mechanisms in place to help. I wept as I listened to a man saying he watched his neighbours tearing at rubble with their bare hands, in an effort to reach trapped family members "They have no tools, no chisels or shovels...they have no proper torches, they are borrowing peoples phones to use the torches on them"
The window for finding people alive is closing - soon it will be not rescue but retrieval. The nation will have to cope with injured people, with bereavements, the homeless and the hungry.
I may have been hot and uncomfortable last week, I may have missed my weekend in London with my beloved family - but I still have them - so I must try and get things into perspective. And the money for my unused train ticket has already pinged back into my account.
I feel so impotent in the face of their suffering. I pray for them, and for wisdom to know what I can do to help. At the time of writing, the DEC [Disasters Emergency Committee] have yet to launch an appeal - but they have helpfully suggested some charities already responding in Venezuela, should people want to donate now. Oxfam is one of the organisations which I know and trust.
Please help Moises and others to have hope...
UPDATE Do read this amazing story from the BBC
Thanks Ang. As always you bring a sense of perspective.
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DeleteFor all that I rage about the inequalities and inefficiencies in this country, not to mention scandalous hiving off of money from from watercompanies, social care providers etc etc, we ARE blessed to live here. Oxfam, here I come
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DeleteIt certainly made me feel what had I to moan on about in the heatwave last week compared to the disaster in Venezuela. All we can do is send whatever we can to try and help. I pray that more people are saved. Sue H
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DeleteTwo 7+ magnitude earthquakes back to back 39 seconds apart is a major disaster. I heard on the news that the County of Los Angeles was sending rescue teams and search dogs to help and some community organizations were collecting donations to send to the victims.
ReplyDeleteYes, I read that rescue workers (and their amazing dogs) have travelled from your state to help.
DeleteWhat a wonder that Moises was found alive and that people are still trying to find others. Catriona
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful, 💜
DeleteIt is awful for them and I agree about coping with tiny inconveniences in comparison. Yes, the things every one of us have to deal with are difficult in the moment and that should he acknowledged, but the difficulties they face, are truly devastating! I contributed to Oxfam once they sent me an email. Save the children also sent one so perhaps they are too?
ReplyDeleteYes, Save The Children already have projects in Venezuela,. Their website explains what they are doing in terms of relief in this emergency situation. I find it helpful at times like this to know that any gift I send is going to a well established charity, to people who already know the country, its people and its language, and they are able to act promptly.
DeleteHeat has totally addled my brain so your post was a welcome nudge to donate, my choice is the Red Cross who were very kind to me when I broke my leg. I can't imagine what it must be like to be injured and homeless.
ReplyDeleteMe neither. The Red Cross is an excellent charity to support
DeleteI hope more international aid reaches those in need, and I wish strength and comfort to everyone affected.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that
DeleteHuge admiration for rescue workers. i cannot imagine what their thoughts must be.
ReplyDeleteJoy one moment, grief the next. Such heartache
DeleteSuch devastating news for a country that is already on its knees from so many other seismic pressures. I pray that aid, ongoing support and compassion are given in abundance.
ReplyDelete🙏amen
DeleteIt is always amazing how some people survive and others are not so fortunate. That little baby and his mother must have brought such joy to the father/husband when he saw them alive. I am very careful when donating to disaster relief, as some, even well known charities, do not make as good use of the funds as others. My favourite now is Shelterbox, which I believe originated in England. They provide tents and cooking utensils and such to families, where appropriate and they are currently fundraising for Venezuela.
ReplyDeleteShelterbox provide well planned practical help. One of church ladies groups in Leicestershire supported this project
DeleteThe DEC always seem so slow to react. Why? Surely the whole point of them is to be ready to go quickly. I always give to the Red Cross as they seem to be the quickest.
ReplyDeleteI guess they have to ensure their careful protocols and requirements are met before they commit, rather than have " knee jerk" reactions. They do at least give a list of the "first responder" charities in every situation . And one hopes you can't go wrong with theRed Cross!
DeleteThe news tonight said that "Tens of thousands of people are still missing". Tens of thousands! Horrifying numbers. Almost too much to imagine
ReplyDeleteTruly horrifying
DeleteSo devastating and difficult to see. :-(
ReplyDeleteHeart rending
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