Fatima was twelve floors up when the quake hit
Save the Children's country manager Fatima Andraca is in Caracas.
She was in her hotel room - twelve floors up - when the twin earthquakes shook everything.
- It felt like it went on forever, she says.
The streets of Caracas are full of people after the earthquakes, says Save the Children's country manager in Venezuela, Fatima Andraca, at a digital press conference.
- There are lots of people walking, families, people trying to help each other, people with bags with everything they brought from home - the streets are completely full of people.
The earthquakes occurred on Wednesday afternoon, local time. At least 164 people have died and just over 900 have been injured.
The death toll is feared to rise sharply, as many buildings have collapsed and many are still feared to be buried in the rubble.
"You see solidarity"
Fatima Andraca was in the affected area of Los Palos Grandes in the capital Caracas when the earthquake caused the house to shake violently.
- It was a strong movement and it felt like it went on for an eternity but it was maybe 30 to 40 seconds, she says.
She got out of the hotel via the stairs on the outside of the house. The stairs inside the building were badly damaged.
Down on the street, people were shocked.
- But you also see solidarity. People asked "are you okay" and handed out water.
Fleeing without shoes
To escape the risk of a landslide, she and others took to a park. She herself had fled the hotel without shoes. Later, she was given a pair.
– It is a really difficult situation and we are seeing how society is coming together now that a building has collapsed right in front of me.
Save the Children is now working to assess the need for humanitarian emergency aid. The organization is also preparing emergency support for children who have been affected.
One concern is the risk of aftershocks.
– It is a big risk, says Cris Garcia, regional director for Save the Children in Latin America.
– Of course, potable water, emergency shelter, medical support and food are the most urgent things to worry about.
“The children are shocked”
Fatima Andraca has had time to talk to Save the Children’s committee for child representation in Venezuela.
– They are very shocked but they are starting to see some light and hope. They are talking about their experiences and that is the first step.
Doctors Without Borders is also on site in Venezuela. Halima Hussein, medical coordinator for the organization, tells Aftonbladet that the streets and squares are full of people.
– Many people were unable to get home last night. They have their backpacks and cannot move. Many buildings have completely collapsed.
The telephone network is down
Local authorities are trying to arrange shelters in schools and baseball facilities. Baseball is a popular sport in Venezuela.
Doctors Without Borders is assessing the needs and preparing medical kits for local hospitals.
They have not yet been in contact with all their staff in Venezuela.
– We are still missing answers from some people. We are waiting for the phone network to come back - in some areas there is no connection at all right now.
A car in La Guaira has been stuck when the road suddenly cracked in the earthquake. Photo: Javier Campos/AP
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