This article has been corrected from its broadcast to update the number of buildings badly damaged or destroyed from 774 to 855, according to Monday information from Venezuelan government authorities.
Venezuela (MNN) — The death toll from Venezuela’s twin June 24 earthquakes rose to more than 1,700 people on Monday. Although rescue stories continue, hope for finding more people alive is dwindling.
Ethan Forhetz with Convoy of Hope says their team is moving food and water in for survivors and rescuers, with other resources on the way.
“People are still scared to go back into buildings, because aftershocks are happening all the time. They don’t know just how weakened their building has become where they’re living, so a lot of people are living and sleeping in cars and out on streets. So we’re going to be working on tenting to help them,” he says.
Since the two June 24 earthquakes, there have been more than 600 aftershocks. That includes a 4.6-magnitude aftershock in hard-hit La Guaira on Monday morning.
No matter what photos or videos you’ve seen, “it’s worse than you probably think,” says Forhetz. Authorities say the initial quakes badly damaged or destroyed at least 855 buildings.
In this context, Convoy of Hope is working through its partnerships with local Venezuelan churches to distribute aid.
“We evaluate through our people on the ground. They’re our eyes and ears there on the ground. They’re living it, they see it every day, they know what the needs are, and they can advise us how to best meet those needs,” says Forhetz.
“When we get to empower the local church — people who are doing ministry — it really just empowers [Convoy of Hope] to be able to meet the needs of people, and opens the door to the gospel.”
Please stand with Convoy of Hope’s work as the hands and feet of Christ with your prayers.
“[Pray for] favor for our team when it comes to logistics, and then favor with our team, for people to be able to ask the questions and be able to share the gospel, to tell people that God loves them,” says Forhetz.
Consider making a gift after you pray. Find Convoy of Hope’s crisis relief fund here.
“You can support Convoy as we are working for the future, even as this disappears from the news,” says Forhetz. “We will still be working here.”
Water distribution to search and rescue workers (Photo courtesy of Convoy of Hope)
Header photo: Water distribution to rescue workers (Photo courtesy of Convoy of Hope)
