According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a preliminary magnitude 7.2 earthquake was followed, just seconds later, by a magnitude 7.5 mainshock, in what is known as an "earthquake doublet", with its epicentre in the municipality of Montalbán, in Carabobo State, at a shallow depth of approximately 13 kilometres.

The emergency has left thousands of people dead and injured, while search, rescue and medical response efforts continue. In addition, thousands of people remain displaced or have lost their homes, and significant damage has been reported to homes, schools, hospitals, and water and sanitation networks. The most urgent needs are access to safe drinking water, shelter, healthcare, food, psychosocial support and child protection.

At present, the eight NGOs that make up the Spanish Emergency Committee — Action Against Hunger, SOS Children's Villages, Educo, Entreculturas, Médecins du Monde, Oxfam Intermón, Plan International and World Vision — are already delivering assistance on the ground. Their activities include the distribution of water, food and essential relief items, the provision of temporary shelters, healthcare and psychosocial support, as well as child protection and support for affected families.

COMITÉ DE EMERGENCIA

You can support the Spanish Emergency Committee through the following channels:

  • Bank transfer to ES24 2100 5731 7202 0035 4082
  • Calling 900 595 216
  • Sending an SMS with the word “JUNTOS” to 28014
  • Bizum (charity/donation option) using code 02076
  • Through www.comiteemergencia.org

Atresmedia has collaborated with the Emergency Committee since its creation by disseminating, through all its communication channels (television, radio, and digital platforms), calls for public solidarity in humanitarian crises identified by the Committee, in order to provide society with all the information on how to help in each case.

Spanish Emergency Committee

The Spanish Emergency Committee is a coalition of NGOs, media outlets, companies, and citizens, whose goal is to channel the solidarity of individuals and businesses in humanitarian emergencies. Created in 2017, it is currently made up of 7 international NGOs specializing in humanitarian aid: Acción contra el Hambre, Aldeas Infantiles SOS, Educo, Médicos del Mundo, Oxfam Intermón, Plan International, and World Vision, united under one voice and one purpose: to launch joint appeals for help in order to respond more effectively to humanitarian crises.