GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a call for $98 million to aid Venezuela’s earthquake response. The funds are intended for emergency relief and early recovery activities over a period of 12 months. 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 confirmed that 17,907 individuals had been displaced from their homes. The humanitarian effort continues to prioritize shelter, healthcare, and vital services.
The earthquakes registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart. Strong tremors impacted Caracas, La Guaira, and surrounding regions. The disaster resulted in damage to residential buildings, hospitals, roads, water supply systems, and other public infrastructure. Aftershocks hindered rescue operations and complicated assessments in several communities. Many residents sought refuge in collective shelters or temporary housing. Local services faced increased demand as displaced families required medical attention, clean water, and protection support.
The appeal aims to assist 850,000 people and support 140 institutions or public bodies. It encompasses La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Key activities include providing temporary shelter, managing sites, delivering health services, and implementing protection programs. The plan also allocates resources for repairing damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations, and humanitarian partners continue to coordinate relief efforts. Field assessments inform the distribution of aid across affected and underserved regions.
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 housing, medical care, protection support, and site coordination. Staff members are actively evaluating conditions in damaged communities across six regions. These assessments help identify urgent needs and enable targeted resource deployment to areas experiencing severe disruption. The initiative connects immediate relief efforts with early recovery actions.
Shelter remains a primary concern since thousands of families are unable to return to their damaged homes. The response plan supports those in collective sites, temporary accommodations, and affected residential zones. It also includes assistance for sanitation systems, healthcare facilities, and safe water infrastructure. Protection teams work to mitigate additional risks faced by displaced residents. Site coordinators collaborate with local institutions to enhance services and living conditions. Recovery activities focus on restoring essential infrastructure used daily by communities.
Framework for a year-long recovery effort
An earlier flash appeal outlined humanitarian activities from July to December 2026. The current announcement extends the emergency response and recovery window to 12 months. The $98 million request covers shelter initiatives, public services, and field coordination. It also allocates funds for healthcare, protection, and infrastructure rehabilitation. Humanitarian teams will implement these resources across major population centers and smaller communities, prioritizing verified needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
The earthquake response remains ongoing as families depend on temporary shelters and public assistance. Damage to clinics, roads, and water networks has increased pressure on local authorities and service providers. The requested funds aim to sustain relief activities while critical systems are repaired. The programs encompass housing, healthcare, protection, infrastructure, and site management. They also support local institutions providing essential services in affected areas. Assistance continues to focus on communities experiencing displacement, housing destruction, and utility disruptions.