Venezuela (MNN) — Losses will likely exceed $10 billion following twin earthquakes in Venezuela.
(Photo courtesy Keys for Kids Ministries)
The June 24 earthquakes damaged more than 800 buildings, according to government statistics. Nearly 200 structures completely collapsed. Yet the full scope of the disaster remains unclear, especially outside major population centers.
“You’re obviously seeing a lot of damage in Caracas, in the coastal areas of La Guaira, but you’re not hearing about people who are on the outskirts,” Greg Yoder of Keys for Kids Ministries says.
“Some of the rural communities are still waiting for help.”
On June 24, two powerful earthquakes shook northern Venezuela. The quakes happened approximately 40 seconds apart: a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed by a magnitude 7.5 mainshock, making them the country’s strongest recorded earthquake event in more than 125 years.
The disaster also happened at night, killing many while they slept. Others were trapped by debris, and hundreds of aftershocks delayed rescue teams. See our coverage here.
Believers respond
With thousands of people still missing and rescue shifting to recovery, the United Nations is planning for up to 10,000 deaths.
Yoder calls the situation in Venezuela desperate. “When you think of the 3535 deaths, 16,000+ injuries; Many people are now living in the streets; they’ve lost loved ones,” he says.
Yet hope remains. Pastor Mateo, a local believer, can access three locations that haven’t yet been reached by aid groups. With the support of other local Christians and Keys for Kids Ministries, Pastor Mateo wants to help isolated earthquake survivors.
(Photo courtesy Keys for Kids Ministries)
The planned response, totaling $24,000, provides “food, medicine, water, travel in and out of the area like four times, but it also covers the printing costs of a new [trauma-focused] devotional,” Yoder says.
“It’s not enough to provide physical assistance for these people. Their eternity is dependent upon whether or not they know Jesus.”
Find your place in the story
Can you send help and hope to earthquake survivors through Keys for Kids Ministries and Pastor Mateo? Donate here to help meet urgent needs.
Most importantly, pray. Use the prompts listed alongside this article to guide your intercession.
“We’re providing a felt need that the government and even some of the larger NGOs are not participating in,” Yoder says. “Pray for wisdom and for open doors. Most importantly, pray that many people would hear the Gospel and find true hope in Jesus Christ.”
Additionally, “Pray for Pastor Mateo and the believers who are on the ground,” Yoder says.
“Pray for safety, [as] sometimes they’re having to go into these areas under the cover of darkness because the government leaders don’t want Christians helping in certain situations.”
Header and story images courtesy Keys for Kids Ministries.
