Analysis: US must play humanitarian role in Venezuela after earthquake

Venezuelan authorities continue the search for missing people after strong earthquakes hit the country last Wednesday (24). An unofficial website, called Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela, records around 42 thousand missing people, and, to date, almost 4 thousand have already been located.

The platform, created as a voluntary initiative and not linked to the government, is also used by Venezuelans who are outside the country and trying to obtain information about family members.

In light of the tragedy, the United States announced the sending of emergency aid to Venezuela. According to CNN international analyst Fernanda Magnotta to CNN 360°, the initiative represents a significant change in the relationship between the two countries.

"Geopolitical logic is giving way, to some extent, to humanitarian diplomacy", stated Magnotta, highlighting that the Americans, after an accommodation with the Venezuelan government, have initiated a series of negotiations in the field of bilateral exchanges.

Humanitarian role of the United States
According to Fernanda Magnotta, the North American contribution must focus, first and foremost, on the humanitarian aspect.

"I'm basically talking about search, rescue, medical assistance, logistics and emergency aid teams", explained the analyst. She also highlighted that international authorities usually highlight the importance of the first 72 hours in episodes like this, as they are crucial in saving lives.

Among the resources made available to Venezuela, Magnotta highlighted air transport, intelligence activities, international coordination capacity and financial support for the acquisition of necessary inputs.

The analyst also pointed out that, in addition to the humanitarian nature, the United States' action has a political component.

"Washington is interested in reinforcing this image of a regional partner," said Magnotta, adding that the Trump administration is interested in articulating benefits in the relationship with the Venezuelan government.

However, she considered that technical and humanitarian elements will play a very important role at this time.

Venezuela's challenges in the face of the crisis
Fernanda Magnotta warned that Venezuela will face even more difficult days ahead.

According to her, the country was already experiencing a deep economic and institutional crisis before the earthquakes occurred, which makes the State's ability to respond to an unexpected event like this even more limited.

"Venezuela is now more dependent on international aid than ever," said the analyst, highlighting the need for coordination between governments, multilateral organizations and partners of different natures.

In the short term, Magnotta pointed out that the most urgent challenge is locating survivors, treating the injured - numbering in the thousands - and offering shelter to populations in vulnerable situations.

Next will come the process of rebuilding critical infrastructure, including hospitals, public roads, telecommunications networks, energy supplies and housing. The analyst also warned that the existing crisis tends to deepen, with impacts on poverty, population displacement and migratory flow, which already represents a relevant issue, including with repercussions in Brazil.

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Source: CNN