STV NewsThe race to find survivors continues in Venezuela after two devastating earthquakes struck the country in quick succession last Wednesday.
The twin quakes struck the central-northern area of the country, causing severe damage to homes, hospitals, and critical infrastructure.
Venezuelan authorities have confirmed that the death toll has risen to nearly 2,300 people, with over 11,000 others injured. However, the United Nations has warned that the final death toll could ultimately increase to 10,000, as more than 40,000 people remain missing.
In the capital of Caracas and other hard-hit areas, local residents are still desperately searching through the rubble for missing family members.
International development minister Simita Kumar announced that the Scottish Government is providing £250,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to support emergency access to shelter, food, water, and medical care in the worst-affected regions.
STV NewsVal Brown, head of Christian Aid in Scotland and spokesperson for the DEC Scotland Appeal, highlighted the gravity of the situation on the ground.
She told STV News: “People are living in fear, with nothing on the streets. Our partners are already distributing food, sanitation kits, and water filters. It is absolutely imperative that people have these essentials.
“It’s about standing with the people affected, supporting them and helping them back onto their feet. It’s a positive message of hope in the midst of what are life-changing circumstances for them.”
In addition to financial aid, the UK government has deployed a 68-person search and rescue team to Venezuela, including three Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) firefighters.
STV NewsWhile international aid is being deployed, some fear political obstacles could hamper efforts to get help to the worst-hit areas.
Diego Mejias Morffe, a Venezuelan civil engineer living in Aberdeen, says the disaster has bridged political divides that have marred the country for over 25 years.
“We were separated into two political sides; that doesn’t exist right now.
“It’s time to help, no matter what your political beliefs are. We have no time to think about politics.”
He says the situation has taken a huge emotional toll on him.
“When you meet any Venezuelans here, the first question is not ‘how are you?’ The first question is ‘how is your family?’
“I have a friend who lost her sister, brother-in-law and their children. She told me that she has to be strong in order to be there for her family and continue to move forward because if she feels weak, everything is going to be very bad.
“To be honest, for me it’s difficult to go to work. I can’t say what I feel. I feel sad. I don’t want to do anything.”
STV NewsDiego cautions Scots to donate to trusted organisations to ensure the money is properly used.
“The solution is not for one month or three months. The real solution will take a long time.
“Whatever help we can give, they will need resources for a long time. It’s about healing Venezuela.”
Across Scotland, the Venezuelan diaspora is rallying together.
In Aberdeen, Marcia Ramirez, who works at the Tucan Cafe, spoke of the heavy emotional toll of being far from home while loved ones face danger.
“A friend of my niece has died, and another friend has disappeared and hasn’t been found yet. It affects me a lot.
“One of my aunties lives in Caracas. She was very scared because she’s older.
“The people here and the Venezuelan organisations are trying to provide everything they can – clothes, medicine and other supplies. But it’s very sad. It’s not a good situation right now.”
STV/Eurovision NewsCafe worker Maria Castro added that financial aid is currently the most effective way to help from afar.
“We have a big community here,” she said. “Because we are so far away from Venezuela, it’s better to send money so people there can buy what they need.
“There are newborn babies who have lost their parents and they need a lot of help. Seeing how we come together and try to help as much as we can is really encouraging.”
International development minister Simita Kumar said that Scotland has a “proud tradition” of standing with communities in their “darkest hour”.
She said: “My heart goes out to everyone in Venezuela who has lost their loved ones or their home in the wake of these devastating earthquakes. The scale of suffering is immense, and I am deeply concerned for everyone caught up in the crisis, including the hundreds of thousands of children who most urgently need support.
“Scotland has a proud tradition of standing with communities in their darkest hours and will play its part in supporting the international humanitarian effort in Venezuela. This funding will help get vital assistance to those who need it most.”
Marcia says the Venezuelan community is grateful for local support.
“Thank you, Scotland. Thank you for helping Venezuela.”
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