Back-to-back earthquakes rocked Venezuela within a minute of each other on June 24. Both tremors measured over 7.0 in magnitude; the second quake reached 7.5, making it the strongest to hit the country in over a century. Aftershocks continue. More than 180 people are confirmed dead, with death toll estimates soaring into the thousands. Reports from some areas have not come in yet.
Samaritan’s Purse is responding in Jesus’ Name. We are sending a Disaster Assistance Response Team, which will include some staff members from our Colombia country office. Some will be flying in tomorrow while many others will be coming in over the next several days.
We are preparing to airlift an Emergency Field Hospital, as well as shelter tarp, solar lights, blankets, and water filters to Venezuela.
“Two powerful back-to-back earthquakes struck Venezuela Wednesday evening, collapsing buildings in the capital of Caracas,” said Franklin Graham, President of Samaritan’s Purse, via Facebook. “Pray for rescue and recovery operations, first responders, and all who are injured or grieving lost loved ones.”
Please continue to pray for the people of Venezuela, especially around hard-hit Caracas and La Guaira. Pray for our response team and for their boldness while serving as the hands and feet of Jesus.
