My name is Yohanna, and I wanted to take a minute to share with you what I've been seeing here on the ground in Venezuela.

Since the earthquakes struck, I've been travelling to shelters and affected communities to understand what people need most right now. The destruction is truly overwhelming, and every day I meet families who have lost everything.

These assessments I carry out help us make sure the right kind of support reaches the right people at the right time. When coordinating a humanitarian response, it is essential to listen to the people themselves; they are the ones who know what they need.
Damage following the Earthquake in Venezuela
I also focus on something that is often overlooked during emergencies: making sure people with disabilities are not left behind.

Many emergency shelters are difficult — or even impossible — for someone using a wheelchair, crutches, or a walker to navigate. Bathrooms are inaccessible, entrances are blocked, and the constant noise creates additional challenges for people with sensory or intellectual disabilities.

In the chaos of the earthquakes, many people even lost the mobility aids they depend on every day. There is a great deal of work to be done to make these shelters actual inclusive safe havens for everyone.

Today, we are one of the only organisations present in Venezuela with expertise in emergency physical and functional rehabilitation. In hospitals and affected communities alike, complex fractures, trauma, and amputations mean thousands of people will need specialist support to regain their mobility and independence. Our team is identifying these barriers and providing mobility aids, rehabilitation services, mental health support, and practical solutions that help everyone access safety and assistance.
HI worker walking towards tents
We know that recovery looks different for each person, and that many families won't be able to return home anytime soon, so we're working to ensure our response is inclusive and sustainable from the very beginning.

The road ahead will be long, but I'm inspired every day by the resilience of the people I meet and the commitment of our teams. Thank you for standing with the people of Venezuela. Your support makes it possible for us not only to respond quickly, but to keep responding long after the headlines fade.

With gratitude,
Yohanna Talloli
Inclusive Humanitarian Action Specialist
Humanity & Inclusion Venezuela

VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKE APPEAL

Humanity & Inclusion is an independent charity working alongside disabled and vulnerable people in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster.
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