Caritas Poland has allocated one million PLN in emergency aid to support people affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24. The funds will help provide food, drinking water, medicines, and hygiene supplies to communities facing an acute humanitarian crisis.

Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela on June 24, leaving a trail of destruction across the country. Nearly 2,300 people were killed and more than 11,000 injured, while the disaster affected an estimated 10.6 million residents.

The state of La Guaira suffered the most severe damage, but the earthquakes also affected the capital, Caracas, as well as the city of Guarenas. Thousands of people have been left without homes, while critical infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, has been severely damaged.

According to reports cited by Vatican News, the estimated cost of rebuilding the affected areas could reach between $12 billion and $15 billion and may take many years.

Caritas Mobilizes Emergency Assistance

Caritas Poland’s contribution was made through the Emergency Appeal mechanism, which enables organizations belonging to the international Caritas confederation to respond rapidly to major humanitarian disasters.The one million PLN donation will support the immediate delivery of essential supplies, including food, safe drinking water, medicines, and hygiene products.
The emergency response is being carried out on the ground by Caritas Venezuela, supported by around 30,000 volunteers and 700 parish-based Caritas teams.

A central element of the response is the “24×24” program, which aims to deliver food, drinking water, medicines, and hygiene kits within 24 hours of a reported need.

“Due to this crisis, Caritas Venezuela has issued an urgent appeal for help to organizations across our confederation. Caritas Poland has donated one million złoty to address the most basic needs,” said Fr. Janusz Majda, Director of Caritas Poland.
“We are also appealing for solidarity to donors. The funds raised will be sent directly to Caritas Venezuela, our partner on the ground. These people have lost everything and are waiting for help. I encourage people with generous hearts to join us in this work of mercy,” he added.

Thousands of Families Without Homes

The scale of the destruction remains enormous. Nearly 60,000 buildings have been damaged or completely destroyed, and approximately 16,000 people have lost their homes.

The damage to the healthcare system has further complicated the humanitarian response, leaving many communities struggling to access essential medical services.

While the emergency assistance provided by Caritas addresses the most urgent needs, the scale of the disaster means that long-term reconstruction will require sustained support and the continued involvement of the international community.

Polish Pallottines Stand with Earthquake Victims

Polish Pallottine missionaries serving in Venezuela are also directly involved in assisting those affected by the disaster.
In an interview with Vatican News, the missionaries described an extraordinary outpouring of solidarity among local communities. They are welcoming people who have lost their homes, organizing collections of essential goods, and offering spiritual support.

The Pallottines have joined forces with Caritas of the Diocese of Guarenas and local volunteers. Their parish has become more than a place of worship—it is now also a center of humanitarian assistance.

“Our parish house and church facilities serve as places where people can stay overnight, but also as collection points for clothing, medicines, everyday necessities, and food,” said Fr. Andrzej Tekieli, who serves in Guarenas, approximately 20 kilometers east of Caracas.

Another Pallottine missionary, Fr. Dawid Dziedzic, traveled with volunteers to La Guaira to support rescue and relief efforts in one of the areas hardest hit by the earthquakes.

A Response of Prayer and Presence

For the Pallottines, however, the response to the disaster goes beyond material assistance.

Fr. Dziedzic emphasized the importance of spiritual support for people who have experienced loss and trauma. He recalled that one woman came to the parish asking the missionaries to bring the Blessed Sacrament to those affected by the disaster.
In response, the Pallottines are planning to organize prayer gatherings in neighborhoods and parks, bringing a message of hope and consolation directly to affected communities.

Their aim, the missionaries say, is to help those who have lost so much to “experience the healing presence of God.”
Caritas Poland continues to appeal for solidarity with the people of Venezuela. In the face of a disaster of such magnitude, immediate humanitarian assistance is essential, but so too is long-term support for families and communities as they begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

modovisible, pixabay.com

By Family News Service / Piotr Kowalczuk