Humanitarian crisis deepens in Venezuela after earthquake: U.S. sanctions disrupt relief efforts

Kathmandu. Venezuela, which is facing a severe humanitarian crisis following a powerful earthquake, has been accused of disrupting the delivery of relief and financial aid due to US sanctions.

The long-term sanctions structure has stalled the move because the United States temporarily eased some restrictions after a devastating earthquake struck Venezuela last week.

Experts say the long-standing U.S. sanctions have created structural barriers to access to funds, equipment and humanitarian aid. It is alleged that this has made rescue and reconstruction work more difficult.

“We need a lot more help, more help, even though the Venezuelan people themselves are contributing every day,” said Alberto Perez, one of the affected citizens. ’

According to political analyst Diego Sequeira, the legal and administrative measures of the US administration are clearly the direct disruption of relief flows. The United Nations estimates that the disaster has affected about seven million people and caused about $6.7 billion in physical damage, or about 6% of Venezuela’s GDP.

On June 24, two earthquakes measuring more than 7.0 on the Richter scale struck northern Venezuela. The death toll has risen to 1,943 and more than 10,000 have been injured, said Jorge Rodriguez, the president of the National Assembly of Venezuela.

The government said it was working with the United Nations and other international humanitarian agencies to provide relief to the affected communities.