Andorran UNICEF Committee Sends €11,720 for Venezuela Earthquake Aid

The Andorran Committee for Unicef has sent €11,720 to support emergency efforts in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes on 24 June.

The funds, raised through donations from individuals, businesses and organisations in Andorra, will bolster aid for affected children and families, focusing on access to drinking water, healthcare, nutrition and protection services.

Unicef's latest update from 20 July reports the quakes caused 5,208 deaths and 16,740 injuries. Some 17,907 people lost their homes, and around 23,820 remain in 107 temporary shelters, mainly in Caracas and the states of Miranda, La Guaira and Aragua.

The organisation warns that children face heightened risks from displacement, disrupted schooling, emotional trauma and limited basic services. Overcrowding in shelters strains water and sanitation systems, raising disease threats.

Unicef activated its response immediately, drawing on its ongoing presence and partnerships with local authorities and groups. So far, more than 7,500 people have received humanitarian aid. Key efforts include providing drinking water to 2,861 individuals, hygiene kits to 7,180, vaccinations for 6,466, mobile healthcare for 2,108 and nutritional screenings for 2,452 children under five. Over 2,700 children, teens and caregivers have joined psychosocial support activities.

Dàmaris Castellanos, director of Unicef Andorra, stressed the need for sustained help beyond initial response. She thanked Andorran donors for enabling continued access to essentials.

Unicef has mobilised $11.5 million so far but requires an additional $65.7 million to reach 470,000 people, including 169,000 children. The Andorran fundraising campaign remains open, urging further contributions from the public, companies and institutions.