AMERICA/VENEZUELA - The Salesian Sisters: "The emergency continues. The work is far from over"

Caracas (Fides News Agency) – The official, still preliminary, death toll from the two devastating earthquakes of June 24 in Venezuela has risen to almost 4,500. Around 17,000 people were injured, and over 19,500 remain in emergency shelters. The number of missing is still unclear. Search and rescue operations, medical care, and the distribution of humanitarian aid continue unabated thanks to the support of numerous countries. At the same time, infrastructure recovery and reconstruction efforts are progressing, particularly in the La Guaira region, which is among the hardest-hit areas.

The Salesian Sisters, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, are also on the front lines, working to assist homeless families. “We have distributed lovingly prepared meals and, above all, been close to the people, listened to their concerns, and stood by them in their most difficult moments,” Provincial Superior Sister Maria Eugenia Ramos Rangel told Fides.

The nuns are also active in El Junquito, where the earthquake caused significant property damage but did not result in a high number of fatalities. At the two emergency shelters there, pajamas were distributed to children and hygiene products and diapers to mothers. Aid programs have also been launched in downtown Caracas, where many families continue to live in tents after their homes were declared uninhabitable.

"We are pleased that several families have already been moved into emergency shelters, but the work is far from over," emphasized Sister Eugenia. "Many people had to leave their homes without any guarantee of new accommodation. They are still waiting for concrete answers and a safe home." (AP) (Fides News Agency, 13/7/2026)

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