More than music: how Metallica are directly helping earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela

Through long-time partner Direct Relief, Metallica’s All Within My Hands charity is contributing $100,000 to earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela, as per Blabbermouth. On June 24, Venezuela was rocked by back-to-back, deadly earthquakes, registering at magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, less than a minute apart. Over 600 earthquakes have persisted, making already difficult rescue efforts more difficult and raising anxiety among the evacuated population. The extent of the destruction is still unknown. Within three days of the accident, almost 68,000 persons were reported missing, and the official dead toll is at above 2,000. Reports from the United Nations indicate that up to 6.8 million Venezuelans may be affected, which includes being displaced or losing access to energy and water.

NASA’s preliminary satellite analysis indicates that about 60,000 buildings might have been destroyed or severely damaged. For the next two years, at least 300,000 people’s requirements should be met, according to the Venezuelan Red Cross. Coordinating with authorities at the regional and local levels, Direct Relief is mobilising emergency medical aid and assisting search-and-rescue operations. The organization is giving emergency money to enable the deployment of Bomberos Unidos Sin Fronteras (BUSF),a Spain-based search-and-rescue organization, to assist with on-the-ground operations. In the meanwhile, Direct Relief is preparing medical supplies that are frequently required following earthquakes, including as first aid kits, hygiene products for displaced families, acute injury medications, and chronic disease prescriptions for individuals whose access to regular care may be disrupted.

All Within My Hands’ $100,000 funding will support Direct Relief as the group continues to react to requests in the region as they become public. All Within My Hands (AWMH) is a non-profit, charitable organization that was founded in 2017 by the management and members of Metallica. Its mission is to promote workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other vital local services in order to create sustainable communities. 100% of donations go straight to the organisations the Foundation supports because Metallica pays for all administrative expenses. Through the Metallica Scholars Initiative, All Within My Hands has awarded grants totalling $19 million to career and technical education programs, $8.8 million to fight food insecurity, and $6.2 million to disaster relief and other vital local services across the globe.