Response to earthquakes in Venezuela likely to take months, official says

The response to the earthquakes in Venezuela will be a long-term operation, according to Elinor Raikes, vice president and head of program implementation at the IRC (International Rescue Committee).

Raikes told Reuters that, given the significant damage suffered across the country, his organization is looking for ways to bolster public services and provide essential assistance items.

"But you also need to think about the long term," she said.

"The response to the earthquakes will take months, not weeks," he added.

Raikes highlighted that mobilizing aid is a challenge due to the infrastructure situation in Venezuela. With damage to the country's main airport, it is difficult to transport supplies on a large scale.

The IRC has aid materials in neighboring Colombia, but needs access to airports to take them to Venezuela.

In the coming days, according to Raikes, IRC teams will focus their efforts on getting basic items such as food, water and shelter to people in need, as well as providing medical supplies to health services.

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Source: CNN