On June 24, twin earthquakes struck Venezuela, leaving widespread devastation. More than 3,500 people are dead, nearly 17,000 are injured, and tens of thousands remain missing. Hospitals have been damaged. Water lines are broken. Power is out.
In the aftermath of a disaster like this, another crisis can quickly emerge: access to safe drinking water.
When water systems fail, families may have no choice but to drink unsafe water, increasing the risk of waterborne illness at a time when hospitals and local resources are already under tremendous strain.
WaterStep is mobilizing with our partners Love The Hungry and NORMALYTE to put critical equipment and supplies directly into the hands of local responders.
The response includes chlorine generators that can produce safe drinking water using salt, water and a car battery—without relying on functioning infrastructure. BleachMakers will allow clinics and shelters to produce disinfectant on site. Handwashing stations will help improve sanitation in crowded shelters, while oral rehydration solution and fortified meals will provide additional support for people affected by the disaster.
And this response is designed to last.
The equipment WaterStep sends stays in the community, continuing to produce safe water and disinfectant long after the immediate emergency has passed. The goal isn’t simply to deliver relief today. It’s to equip local people with tools they can continue using to protect their families and communities for years to come.
Your support can help make that possible. Give today.
Thank you for standing with WaterStep and with the people of Venezuela as recovery begins.
