The United Nations has launched an emergency appeal seeking $296 million to support relief operations in Venezuela following a devastating earthquake that has killed more than 3,600 people.
The appeal was announced on Wednesday as humanitarian needs continue to rise, with thousands of residents left homeless and many others still missing, particularly in the badly affected La Guaira region where rescue efforts are ongoing.
The UN humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, said the funding would help provide urgent assistance to about 1.3 million people affected by the disaster over a six-month period.
He noted that while donors had already contributed significant support, a major funding gap remained in meeting the immediate humanitarian needs created by the earthquake.
Venezuelan authorities have also called for the release of frozen national assets to support recovery efforts. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto urged countries holding blocked Venezuelan funds to make them available for rebuilding and emergency response.
The appeal comes nearly two weeks after powerful earthquakes measuring 7.3 and 7.5 magnitude struck parts of Venezuela, causing widespread destruction.
Authorities said the death toll has risen to 3,685, with nearly 17,000 people injured, as international rescue teams begin winding down search operations for survivors while families continue searching through damaged areas for missing relatives.
