A mother died protecting her daughter when a magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck western Venezuela on Tuesday. The quake, centred near the city of San Cristobal, killed at least 12 people and injured dozens more.
Among the victims was Mariana Rivas, 34, who threw herself over her 6-year-old daughter as their home collapsed. The child survived with minor injuries. The UK-based charity ShelterBox has launched an emergency appeal, deploying tents, blankets and water filters to the affected region.
The shallow quake, at a depth of 10 km, caused landslides and destroyed hundreds of homes in rural areas where building standards are poor. Seismologists warn that infrastructure in the region, already strained by economic crisis, may not withstand future shocks. The charity’s CEO, Maria Martinez, stated: 'This is a humanitarian emergency.
We are racing against time to provide shelter before the rainy season begins.' Donations can be made via the ShelterBox website.
