Br Deiby Fuenmayor MSC shares the latest update from the Venezuelan earthquake relief programme, following the double earthquake that shook the city of Caracas on June 24th. Aid efforts are ongoing following the disaster, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Venezuela are working in conjunction with Caritas Caracas to bring vital support to survivors of the quakes.
Today, we share the latest updates from Br Deiby, featuring the most recent news on relief efforts in the wake of the disaster.
PRESENCE, COMFORT AND HOPE:
Accompanying Our Affected Brothers and Sisters Three Months After the Double Seismic Event
INTRODUCTION: THREE MONTHS IN THE DESERT AND THE RESPONSE OF FAITH
Ninety days have passed since the double seismic event shook our lands, radically transforming the urban, social, and personal landscape of thousands of families in Caracas and its surrounding metropolitan areas. Following the initial impact of the disaster, the collapse of residential infrastructure, and the establishment of emergency shelters, the current reality demands a transition from immediate containment aid toward an evangelizing presence defined by permanence, closeness, and active listening.
In this scenario, men and women of good will, driven by a deep Christian and solidarity commitment, have decided not to step back. The Catholic Church, through its various religious congregations, lay movements, and in a very special way through the social ministry of Cáritas Caracas and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, remains steadfast in the most vulnerable territories. Our vocation is not limited to material response, but encompasses the holistic healing of the wounds of the soul.
View of the temporary camp and damaged buildings: Panoramic view of the temporary shelter featuring emergency tents, affected residential structures, and the mountains of the Cordillera de la Costa range in the background.
“Being present three months after the disaster is not an act of simple technical assistance; it is the incarnation of Christ’s Love that listens, sustains, and accompanies amidst uncertainty.”
THE SITUATION ON THE GROUND: FROM COLLAPSE TO COMMUNITY LIFE IN SHELTERS
The current panorama in the areas designated for the disaster-affected victims demonstrates the complexity of an extended emergency. Families reside in temporary accommodations made of family tents, protective tarpaulins, and provisional structures built with wooden pallets, support beams, and waterproof plastic roofing. Although these solutions offer protection from the sun and rain, prolonged living under these conditions generates high levels of emotional and physical exhaustion.
Internal view of the shelter with tents: Community space for temporary shelters equipped with humanitarian assistance tents and temporary collection centers.
The proximity to properties diagnosed as high-risk or partially collapsed serves as a constant reminder to the victims of the loss of their homes and belongings. However, amidst the rows of shelters, a resilient community network has emerged where neighborhood solidarity and the organized action of the Church have begun to structure spaces for harmonious coexistence, community health, and mutual support.
Construction of provisional modules with pallets: Progressive construction of temporary housing and sanitary modules using wood and pallets to improve the dignity of families.
MISSIONARY ACCOMPANIMENT: THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AND CÁRITAS CARACAS
The charism of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is manifested concretely in compassionate and servant love toward those who suffer most. In a strategic and operational alliance with Cáritas Caracas, the missionary teams have deployed an integrated approach that includes:
- Active Listening and Psychosocial Support: Tent-to-tent visits to offer a space where victims can express their fears, grief, frustrations, and hopes.
- Logistics and Distribution of Essential Supplies: Continuous supply of drinking water, infant formula, personal hygiene kits, and nutritional supplements directly from logistics support.
- Self-Construction and Habitat Dignification: Technical and material assistance to reinforce temporary shelters, ensuring privacy, thermal protection, and structural stability.
- Spiritual Accompaniment and Celebration of Faith: Moments of community prayer, blessing of families, and preservation of Christian hope amidst adversity.
TESTIMONIES OF PASTORAL AND HUMAN CLOSENESS
Fieldwork is measured not only in tons of supplies delivered or tents erected, but in the human impact of constant presence. The Church is not an external entity that visits sporadically, but a fraternity that inhabits the same ground and shares the same climate with those affected.
During daily outreach efforts, religious members and volunteers walk the pathways between tents to personally deliver essential supplies. Hand-to-hand contact, a shared smile, and encouraging words have restored dignity to those who felt they had lost everything.
Missionary team with affected residents: Direct delivery session of drinking water and medical supplies to women in the community.
As observed in everyday efforts, support encompasses all generations. Special care for children and nursing mothers is an absolute priority for the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart and Cáritas Caracas, ensuring that child nutrition, affection, and protection are maintained at the highest standards under emergency circumstances.
Delivery of food and supplies from vehicle: Dispatch and community logistics for infant formulas and groceries for families with children.
CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES
Three months after the double earthquake, the Church confirms that its mission is only beginning. The current phase requires sustaining active hope while efforts progress toward definitive housing solutions by the relevant agencies. Until that time comes, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Cáritas Caracas reaffirm our unwavering commitment to remain a visible face of divine mercy, a beacon of comfort, and a supportive arm for every brother and sister affected by this disaster.
Pastoral presence on the ground: listening to affected individuals and coordinating immediate response to their needs.
We deeply thank every man and woman of good will, the donors, volunteers, and congregations who make it possible for this testimony of love to remain alive in the heart of our communities.
Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor MSC