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Venezuela

Venezuela: Floods - Hurricane Beryl DREF Operational Update (MDRVE009)

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What happened, where and when?

On 1 July 2024, Hurricane Beryl reached category 5, severely affecting the northeastern states of Venezuela, especially Sucre. This hurricane unleashed strong winds and torrential rains, causing the interruption of air and maritime services in the country. Flights to Porlamar, Cumana, Carúpano and Tucupita were restricted, and minor sailings were suspended. However, for the communities of the Montes municipality in Sucre, the impact was devastating.

The heavy rains flooded rivers such as the Manzanares, Caripey, and Colorado. Particularly, the overflowing of the Manzanares River caused severe damage to at least 29,000 people, affecting water and electricity distribution, roads, health centers, businesses, and homes in different sectors of Cumanacoa, Montes municipality, Sucre state. This caused floods and landslides that forced hundreds of families to abandon their homes. The destruction of crops, livestock, and local businesses severely affected the livelihoods of the population.

The Montes municipality is particularly prone to flooding due to its topography and proximity to rivers. Communities in the zone have less access to robust infrastructure and emergency services. Weak infrastructure amplified the impact of flooding replicating the catastrophic effects of similar events in the region's history.

Heavy rainfall registered from 01 July to 02 July due to the passing of Hurricane Beryl not only caused immediate destruction but also exacerbated the already vulnerable population, negatively impacting their well-being, safety, and livelihoods. This highlights the critical need for a comprehensive and sustained response to support the recovery and reconstruction of affected communities.