AMERICA/VENEZUELA - The Church in front line to provide emergency aid following floods in six states of Venezuela: at least 16,000 people homeless

Caracas (Fides Service) - Venezuela is facing an emergency following torrential rains and floods over the last week affecting six states in the west and centre of the country and in the Andes region (Carabobo, Vargas, Falcón, Yaracuy, Miranda, Mérida Aragua) and in and around the city of Caracas. So far at least 48 people are reported dead, 43 missing and more than 16,000 homeless and 3,203 homes destroyed. Falcón state authorities said that thousands have been evacuated from the town of Tocuyo where a dam threatens to overflow. The Director of National Protection Antonio Rivero said various regions in the west of Venezuela are still under water since last Friday. The government declared a state of emergency and launched an emergency aid programme.
According to Archbishop Roberto Lücker of Coro (Falcón) who is president of the Venezuelan Bishops’ commission for social pastoral, the local Church mobilised its forces immediately to provide assistance for the flood victims. In Caracas the Bishops’ Conference opened a centre for collection of food, medicines, clothing, money etc which will be given directly to people in need through diocesan Caritas offices already at work in flood affected areas.
Speaking to Fides Archbishop Lucker said that a special collection in aid of the flood victims was held in parishes all over the country. He also said that besides immediate relief aid the local Church plans long term aid programmes when general interest begins to wane . “The Church has opened a bank account for aid to flood victims, for immediate help, rebuilding of homes and other needs arising when emergency aid is no longer required” Archbishop Lucker told Fides. (R.Z.) (Agenzia Fides 15/2/2005; righe 24; parole 338)