The earthquake on June 24 has left 4,000 dead and 16,000 injured. The local Red Cross headquarters in Antequera acts as a link in the humanitarian response, mobilising resources and coordinating donations.
The Red Cross office in Antequera has become one of the local nodes in the humanitarian response to the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24. The disaster, the worst in the country's recent history, has already left 4,000 dead and more than 16,000 injured, according to the latest data from the Spanish Red Cross.
From the headquarters on Cuesta Talavera, the vice president of the organisation in Antequera and head of the Basic Emergency Response Team (ERBE), Nacho Durán, explained that the organisation has allocated 2 million Swiss francs (about €2.1 million) and 50 tonnes of emergency aid sent from Panama. Additionally, a field clinic has been deployed with the capacity to assist 30,000 people.
Psychological support and search for the missing
The Red Cross Antequera team not only channels funds but also provides direct services to those affected. Technical staff have been sent to assess needs, assist in the search for people, and provide psychological support to the victims. The phone number 900 221 122 is operational for those seeking information about their loved ones in Venezuela.
Nacho Durán emphasised the importance of citizen aid: “Help in a crisis is very important, not only for what it contributes but because it makes you see that you are not alone.” The organisation requests that donations be monetary, as sending material is complicated due to the collapse of infrastructure. Money allows for the purchase of products close to the affected area, which also boosts the local economy at a critical time.
How to contribute from Antequera
The residents of Antequera and the entire province can contribute through various channels. Bizum, designated bank accounts, solidarity SMS, and the phone number 900 104971 are the main avenues. Donations can also be made through the Spanish Red Cross website. The emergency is expected to last approximately a year, after which a long-term reconstruction phase will begin.
For those interested in getting involved continuously, Red Cross Antequera is calling for volunteers and member recruitment. The local action areas include support for the elderly, assistance for the unemployed, and emergency and rescue services. The headquarters is located on Cuesta Talavera and is open daily.
“Help in a crisis is very important, not only for what it contributes but because it makes you see that you are not alone,” stated Nacho Durán, vice president of the Red Cross in Antequera.
The disaster has affected more than 10 million people in a country that was already facing a complicated situation before the earthquake. The Spanish Red Cross continues to maintain its emergency response, and from Antequera, it coordinates the mobilisation of resources to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most as soon as possible.
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