On Wednesday, June 24, a pair of powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela just 39 seconds apart, in a rare phenomenon known as a “doublet.” Though information from officials is still unfolding, it is clear that the devastation is widespread and catastrophic, showing the importance of supporting Venezuelan communities impacted by these back-to-back disasters.

The first 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit San Felipe, and the second 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck just three miles north in Yumare. The ground shook violently in nearby Caracas, and aftershocks were felt more than 1,000 miles south in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest.  

The earthquakes caused buildings to collapse in Caracas, and Simón Bolívar International Airport was damaged and closed. Parts of the capital also lost cell phone coverage and power, and gas was shut off. Many people are sleeping outside in parks.  

Hundreds of buildings collapsed in La Guaira state and other places along the coast, overwhelming local authorities. Search and rescue teams from the UN and around the world are on the ground helping with rescue operations. As of June 26, more than 900 people have died, and thousands have been injured, but tragically, that number is expected to rise in the coming days.  

These earthquakes were among the most catastrophic in Venezuela in over a century. They’re especially unusual because Venezuela sits between the South American and Caribbean plates, making powerful earthquakes much less common than in other places in Latin America.  

People living in informal settlements, families with young children, older people, those living with disabilities and communities with poor infrastructure and limited emergency preparedness are disproportionately affected by this disaster. Additionally, the combination of high building vulnerability and dense population has amplified the human toll. 

Supporting Venezuelan Communities: Why Focus on Long-Term Recovery Now?

An approach that considers the long-term needs of communities is essential in recovery from an earthquake. Earthquakes happen suddenly and with devastating consequences. The destruction is fast, visible and acute, but the recovery is slow, arduous and systemic. It can take decades or longer. 

Read the full article about recovery from twin earthquakes in Venezuela by Nicole Behnam and Sharad Aggarwal at Center for Disaster Philanthropy.