Venezuela earthquake survivors face mental health crisis in La Guaira

Following a double earthquake in June, the La Guaira region of Venezuela is facing a significant mental health crisis. Assistência Médica Internacional (AMI) has identified a critical need for both economic aid and psychosocial support among the affected population, including Portuguese and Luso-Venezuelan communities.

According to Daniel Viegas Rocha, the AMI project coordinator in Venezuela, the seismic activity has compounded decades of existing trauma. The Red Cross has reportedly estimated that over 60 people have taken their own lives in La Guaira following the disaster. AMI is working on intervention projects to address these psychological needs, noting that the community is increasingly open to speaking with psychologists.

The Portuguese Embassy in Caracas is also promoting initiatives to provide social, cultural, and educational support to those affected in Naiguatá, La Guaira.