Two weeks after devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, DEC Chief Executive Saleh Saeed travelled to the worst-affected communities to see first hand how DEC funded aid is reaching those most in need. 

Now over a month on from the earthquakes, he reflects on the scale of the destruction, the resilience of those affected, and why the UK's support through the DEC appeal remains so vital.

After my visit to Venezuela, two weeks on from the earthquakes that devastated communities, an image is still seared itself onto my brain; a young man climbing up a half-collapsed apartment block in a desperate attempt to re-possess personal effects. 

It looked as though at any moment the building would fall, taking him with it. But he persevered. I couldn’t stop and wait to see if he succeeded – the joy if he had would have lifted my spirits. But I still had a three-hour journey ahead of me to visit the worst affected areas torn apart by the twin earthquakes in the northern part of Venezuela. 

I visited on a mission to see how aid enabled by the DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal is being distributed, hosted by Islamic Relief and World Vision, two of the 14 DEC charities responding. 
 

This is my 18th appeal in the 14 years I have been Chief Executive. Each crisis is different; you never get used to the destruction and loss. 

The numbers in this disaster are sobering: 96,000 buildings believed to be damaged or destroyed, more than 5,300 people were killed, over 16,700 people injured, tens of thousands missing and up to 3.49 million people expected to need humanitarian food assistance. 

Arriving in Caracas, the central area of the city appears relatively normal; it is on the outskirts that sporadic damage becomes more widespread. 

I saw a 14-storey block reduced to three storeys with the whole side removed revealing intact bathrooms – a shocking portrait of normal life reduced to tragedy in seconds. It was surrounded by grey concrete debris, roof insulation, wood and broken furniture, set against a brilliant blue sky.  

Three hours on in the beachside town of La Guaira, the devastation is complete. Whole streets are wiped out, and the parks and squares that remain are full of are full of tents with families crammed in. Churches and community spaces too are housing people under canvas. This will continue for some time.
   
Unlike the aftermath of the Turkey/Syria earthquake when people lived in temporary shipping containers, here makeshift shelters and tents are the order of the day.  

I was walking to one of my site visits and saw a colourful paper poking out from the rubble. I picked it up and found a child’s homework book, maths had been the most recent entry, working out kilos and weights. 

Of all the tragic reminders I have seen, this was one of the worst. I had to pause before continuing and reflect on the enormity of what may have happened to that carefree schoolchild.  

Shortly afterwards,  I arrived  at the World Vision distribution centre where families were queuing for food aid – we were able to give them a month’s supply for a family of four each. 

We asked a local woman there what they need most. “A home” she said bluntly, “and no one can give us that.”   

Her answer made me realise that, while there is an immediate need for food, shelter, warmth and water, hygiene kits and many of the practical items people need to live, after this disaster, long term psychological support will be needed. 

Now, everyone is so busy dealing with the urgent necessities of life that there has been no time to process grief. The scale of death here is so huge, the scars will take months and years to heal.  

DEC members are already starting to help with this. Age International’s partner in Venezuela are planning mental health support for older people and their families, to cope with the trauma of witnessing the crisis, the loss of loved ones and being displaced.  

LWF, the partner of Christian Aid is offering psychosocial support, including spiritual care from trusted community leaders and Plan International UK is delivering psychosocial support for children and adolescents affected by the disaster.  

World Vision has established two Child-Friendly Spaces in Caracas, providing safe environments for play, recreation, and psychosocial activities, supporting their emotional recovery, helping them cope with trauma. 
 

Upon getting home to the UK, I was able to return to my home and my family. For so many thousands in Venezuela, that is a distant dream. It is so important for them to know that in their darkest hour they are not forgotten.

Your support can be a lifeline for families affected by this devastating disaster. Please donate now.