GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has launched a $98 million appeal to aid Venezuela’s earthquake relief efforts. The requested funds will be allocated for emergency aid and early recovery activities over a 12-month period. On June 24, two significant earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. Official figures released on July 15 reported 4,829 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Authorities also indicated that 17,907 individuals had lost their homes. Providing shelter, health services, and essential utilities remains at the core of the ongoing humanitarian response.
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 public infrastructure. Aftershocks hindered rescue efforts and complicated assessments in various communities. Many residents sought refuge in collective shelters or temporary housing. Local services faced increased demand as displaced families required medical care, clean water, and protection support.
The appeal targets reaching 850,000 individuals and supporting 140 institutions or public agencies. It encompasses regions such as La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Activities planned include the provision of temporary shelter, site management, health services, and protection initiatives. The plan also includes restoring damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local NGOs, and humanitarian partners are working together to coordinate relief efforts. Field assessments are guiding the distribution of aid across affected and vulnerable areas.
Funding focuses on displaced families in emergency response
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 individuals residing in collective accommodation centers. The agency has delivered over 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary shelter, medical assistance, protection support, and site coordination. Staff continue evaluating conditions in affected communities across the six regions. These findings help identify urgent shortages and allocate resources to the most severely impacted areas. The program aims to connect immediate relief efforts with early recovery measures.
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 damaged residential zones. It also includes measures to repair sanitation systems, health facilities, and access to safe water. Protection teams assist displaced residents facing additional vulnerabilities. Site coordinators collaborate with local institutions to improve services and living conditions. Recovery activities focus on restoring essential infrastructure used daily by communities.
The appeal supports a comprehensive yearlong recovery plan
An earlier flash appeal outlined humanitarian activities from July through December 2026. The current appeal expands this framework to cover a full 12 months for emergency response and recovery. The $98 million request will fund shelter programs, public services, and field coordination efforts. It also allocates resources for healthcare, protection, and infrastructure repair projects. Humanitarian teams will utilize these funds across major population centers and smaller communities. The recovery plan emphasizes verified needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
The earthquake response persists as families continue to rely on temporary shelters and public assistance. Damage to clinics, roads, and water systems has increased pressure on local authorities and service providers. The requested funding aims to sustain relief operations while critical infrastructure is repaired. The programs include shelter provision, healthcare, protection, infrastructure repair, and site management. Additionally, support will be given to institutions delivering essential services in affected areas. Assistance will focus on communities experiencing displacement, housing destruction, and utility disruptions.