For families affected by the earthquake in Venezuela, the emergency did not end when the ground stopped shaking.
More than two months after the 24 June earthquake, families are still living with the consequences of the disaster. For some, damaged homes have made it impossible to return to normal life. Others are living in tents or temporary shelters, facing. Shortage of food, water, under extreme heat and an uncertain future. For families who have lost loved ones, the pain is even deeper, with some still waiting for missing relatives to be found.
Since the first days of emergency, the Good Shepherd Sisters, staff and volunteers have been present alongside affected families, bringing practical support and care to some areas hardest hit. Through Centro Esperanza, the mission continues to respond to changing needs, providing food, drinking water, hygiene kits and other essential supplies, while creating spaces where people can feel heard, supported and safe.
In Altagracia, where families continue to live in temporary shelters, the Sisters together with their local partners maintain a regular presence providing meals and essential support while accompanying people through the difficulties of everyday life. In La Guaira, around the epicentre, the team walked through the affected area during a visit, to meet people who are still waiting for the bodies of their loved ones to be recovered.
The effects of the earthquake extend far beyond the physical destruction. Fear, distress and uncertainty continue to affect daily life for many survivors, making psychosocial support and essential part of the response. At Centro Esperanza, people are receiving counselling, group support and a space to talk, to help survivors begin to process fear, loss and regain a sense of stability. In these circumstances, even simple gesture of listening, encouragement and human presence can bring relief and remind people that they are not alone.
Francis, whose home was badly damaged, recalls the terror of escaping the building as the earthquake struck. Even after reaching safety, the fear of returning home remained overwhelming. At Centro Esperanza, she found support that helped her begin to face that fear again.
“I came here and felt a lot of peace. I feel safe because being welcomed here has given me security and peace.” Francis – Earthquake survivor
The mission is now accompanying families along the road to recovery through workshops, self-care activities and other initiatives to help people reconnect with daily routines, develop new skills and create moments of normality.
At GSIF, we believe that, responding to this emergency means not only providing essential assistance but also standing alongside people whose suffering continues long after the earthquake itself has disappeared from the headlines.
As one member of the GSIF team reflected after a visit to La Guaira :
“It was a simple gesture, but enough to remind us that every effort – and every act of solidarity from those who have chosen to stand with Venezuela – is deeply worthwhile.” Alex Vásquez Ocampo, GSIF Latin America
