GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has launched an appeal for $98 million to aid Venezuela’s earthquake response. The requested funds will fund emergency support and early recovery activities over a period of 12 months. On June 24, two significant earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. Official government figures released on July 15 report 4,829 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Authorities also indicated that 17,907 individuals had lost their homes. Providing shelter, healthcare, and essential services remains the core focus of the ongoing humanitarian efforts.
The earthquakes measured magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart. Intense tremors affected Caracas, La Guaira, and several surrounding states. The disaster caused damage to residences, hospitals, roads, water systems, and other critical infrastructure. Aftershocks hindered rescue operations and complicated community assessments. Many residents have moved into collective shelters or temporary housing. Local services are under increased demand as displaced families seek medical attention, clean water, and protection support.
The appeal aims to support 850,000 people and 140 institutions or public organizations. It covers regions including La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Planned interventions include setting up temporary shelters, managing sites, providing health services, and implementing protection initiatives. The plan also allocates resources for repairing damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations, and humanitarian partners continue to work together to coordinate relief efforts. Field assessments guide the distribution of aid across both affected and underserved communities.
Emergency funding prioritizes displaced families
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 individuals residing in collective accommodation centers. Since the earthquakes, the agency has delivered over 10,000 services, including temporary shelter, medical assistance, protection support, and site coordination. Staff members persist in evaluating conditions in damaged communities across six regions. These assessments help identify urgent shortages and direct resources to the most severely impacted areas. The program links immediate emergency relief with essential early recovery actions.
Shelter remains a critical need, as thousands of families are unable to return to their damaged homes. The response plan supports those in collective centers, temporary accommodations, and affected residential zones. It also includes interventions for sanitation systems, health facilities, and safe water supplies. Protection teams assist displaced residents facing additional risks. Site coordinators collaborate with local institutions to improve services and living conditions. Recovery efforts focus on restoring basic community infrastructure essential for daily life.
Framework for a year-long recovery effort
An earlier flash appeal detailed humanitarian activities planned from July through December 2026. The current announcement expands this timeline to a full 12 months, covering emergency response and recovery. The $98 million funding request includes support for shelter programs, public services, and field coordination. It also allocates resources for healthcare, protection initiatives, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams will deploy these funds across major population centers and smaller communities. The framework emphasizes needs identified 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 infrastructure has strained local authorities and service providers. The requested funds aim to sustain relief operations while critical systems are repaired. The programs encompass housing, healthcare, protection, infrastructure, and site management. Additionally, the plan supports institutions providing essential services in affected zones. Assistance will continue to focus on communities dealing with displacement, damaged housing, and disrupted utilities.