GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a call for $98 million to aid Venezuela’s earthquake relief efforts. The funds are intended to finance emergency response and early recovery initiatives over a 12-month period. On June 24, two significant earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. Official reports released on July 15 indicated 4,829 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Authorities also stated that 17,907 individuals had lost their homes. The humanitarian effort continues to prioritize shelter, healthcare, and essential services.
The earthquakes registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart. Intense tremors affected Caracas, La Guaira, and several neighboring states. The disaster caused damage to residences, hospitals, roads, water supply systems, and other public infrastructure. Aftershocks hindered rescue operations and complicated assessment efforts in some communities. Many residents sought refuge in collective shelters or temporary housing. Local services faced increased demand as displaced families required medical attention, access to clean water, and protection support.
This appeal aims to support 850,000 individuals and 140 institutions or public agencies. It encompasses La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Activities planned include establishing temporary shelters, site management, healthcare provision, and protection initiatives. The plan also allocates resources for repairing damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations, and humanitarian partners are working together to coordinate relief efforts. Field assessments inform the distribution of aid across affected and underserved regions.
Emergency funding prioritizes displaced populations
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 individuals residing in collective accommodation sites. Additionally, the agency has delivered over 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary shelter, medical assistance, protection support, and site coordination. Field teams continue evaluating conditions in damaged communities across the six regions. These assessments help identify urgent needs and allocate resources to areas experiencing the most severe disruptions. The program connects immediate relief efforts with essential steps toward early recovery.
Shelter remains a critical priority because many families are unable to return to their damaged homes. The response plan supports those in collective facilities, temporary accommodations, and affected residential neighborhoods. It also includes interventions for sanitation systems, healthcare facilities, and safe water supplies. Protection teams assist displaced residents facing additional risks. Site coordinators collaborate with local institutions to enhance services and living conditions. Recovery activities focus on restoring fundamental infrastructure used daily by communities.
Funding aims at a 12-month recovery plan
An earlier flash appeal outlined humanitarian activities scheduled from July to December 2026. The current appeal expands the timeline to cover a full year for emergency response and recovery efforts. The $98 million request will fund shelter initiatives, public services, and field coordination, along with health care, protection measures, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams plan to deploy these resources across major urban centers and smaller communities. The framework emphasizes needs verified through local assessments and operational data.
The earthquake response persists as families rely on temporary shelters and public aid. Damage to clinics, roads, and water networks has strained local governments and service providers. The requested funds aim to sustain relief activities while essential systems are repaired. Programs include housing, healthcare, protection, infrastructure, and site management. The plan also supports institutions providing basic services in affected regions. Assistance will continue to prioritize communities facing displacement, housing damage, and utility disruptions.