The UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) needs 98 million dollars to assist 850,000 people in Venezuela after last month’s earthquakes, which according to the latest official figures caused more than 5,200 deaths.
Maria Moita, director of Humanitarian Response and Recovery at the IOM, explained in a press conference that with these funds the United Nations agency would finance accommodation, water and sanitation services, psychosocial support and monitoring work for displaced populations.
“Accommodation continues to be the most urgent priority (…), many families continue to live in temporary shelters, with relatives or in any place where they can find space,” said Moita, who recently visited areas of the Latin American country affected by the earthquakes of June 24.
The IOM official added that understanding where many of the affected people are moving is essential so that help reaches those who need it.
Also He highlighted that many affected people continue to live next to collapsed or seriously damaged buildings, “hoping that their loved ones can still be rescued, or trying to recover the few belongings they have left.”
“The people of Venezuela have shown extraordinary strength in the face of an enormous loss, now our responsibility is to be by their side, not only after the immediate consequences of the disaster but throughout the long road to recovery,” he stressed, according to EFE.
