Christian leaders are on the frontlines following two devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, as rescue teams continue to search through rubble to find survivors. 

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is appealing for prayers and support, with churches having been affected by the quakes which hit less than a minute apart on Wednesday. At least 920 people have been killed and 3,360 injured, with tens of thousands missing.

“Clergy are going looking for people and supporting those they find”, Nathalie Raffray from ACN told Premier Christian News.

“Everywhere there’s collapsed buildings, displaced families, entire communities seeking shelter in the streets. The priests are talking to them, not just Catholics, anyone who needs help.”

The charity has sent an initial €100,000 (£86,410) within hours of its appeal opening. It is working with partners on the ground to support relief efforts, as leaders offer practical and pastoral support. 

Bishop Pablo Modesto González Pérez, of La Guaira Diocese, told ACN: “We are without electricity and we have all been affected. In the seminary, many walls collapsed. Now we are in the parking lot of the sports stadium, waiting for the firefighters to evaluate the building to find out what we are going to do.
 
“Thank God there have been no serious problems with the priests, although several churches have suffered significant damage. Two buildings in front of the seminary collapsed.”

Archbishop Raúl Biord Castillo of Caracas has confirmed to the charity that there had been fatalities in his parish, but its priest had been “miraculously saved” despite the house and church collapsing. 

Power and internet outages have made communications difficult, and interruption to the water supply is also a concern. 

Luis Vildoso, ACN's project manager for Venezuela, said: “The Church…remains with the people. It comforts those who mourn, accompanies families searching for loved ones, and opens its doors to all who need shelter.”