GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a call for $98 million to aid Venezuela’s earthquake relief operations. The funds are intended to support emergency response and early-stage recovery efforts over a period of 12 months. Two significant earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on June 24. Official reports released on July 15 indicated 4,829 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Additionally, authorities stated that 17,907 individuals had lost their homes. Humanitarian activities continue to prioritize shelter, healthcare, and essential services.
The earthquakes registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart. Intense tremors impacted Caracas, La Guaira, and several neighboring regions. The disaster caused extensive damage to residences, hospitals, roads, water systems, and other vital infrastructure. Aftershocks further hindered rescue efforts and complicated damage assessments in various communities. Many residents sought refuge in collective shelters or temporary accommodations. Additionally, local services faced increased demand as displaced families required medical attention, clean water, and protective support.
The appeal’s goal is to reach 850,000 individuals and support 140 public institutions or organizations. It encompasses areas such as La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Planned interventions include establishing temporary shelters, site management, health services, and protection initiatives. The plan also allocates resources for repairing damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local NGOs, and humanitarian partners are actively coordinating relief efforts. Field assessments inform the distribution of aid, ensuring it reaches the most affected and underserved locations.
Emergency funding prioritizes displaced households
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 individuals residing in collective shelters. Since the earthquakes, the agency has provided over 10,000 services, including temporary accommodation, healthcare, protection support, and site coordination. Ongoing assessments of damaged communities in the six regions help identify urgent needs and guide resource allocation to areas experiencing severe disruption. This approach links immediate relief efforts with early recovery actions.
Shelter remains a critical requirement, as many families are unable to return to their damaged homes. The response plan supports those in collective centers, temporary lodgings, and affected residential zones. It also includes assistance for sanitation systems, health clinics, and safe water supply networks. Protection teams focus on safeguarding displaced residents facing additional vulnerabilities. Site coordinators collaborate with local entities to enhance services and living conditions. Recovery efforts aim to restore fundamental infrastructure used daily by communities.
Funding aims at a comprehensive year-long recovery plan
An earlier flash appeal detailed humanitarian activities scheduled from July to December 2026. The current announcement extends the scope to a 12-month timeframe for emergency response and recovery. The $98 million appeal covers shelter initiatives, public services, and field coordination. It also allocates funds for healthcare, protection, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams will deploy this funding 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 systems has strained local authorities and service providers. The requested funds aim to sustain relief activities during the repair period, supporting housing, healthcare, protection, infrastructure, and site management programs. The plan also emphasizes assisting institutions providing essential services in affected areas. Aid will continue to focus on communities facing displacement, housing destruction, and utility disruptions.