GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a call for $98 million to aid Venezuela’s earthquake relief operations. The allocated funds will be used for emergency support and early recovery activities over a period of 12 months. On June 24, two significant earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. Official figures released on July 15 reported 4,829 deaths and 16,740 injuries. Authorities also indicated that 17,907 individuals had lost their residences. Humanitarian efforts continue to prioritize shelter, healthcare, and essential services.
The earthquakes registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring roughly 40 seconds apart. Intense tremors affected Caracas, La Guaira, and nearby regions. The disaster caused extensive damage to homes, hospitals, roads, water systems, and other public infrastructure. Aftershocks hampered rescue efforts and complicated damage assessments in several communities. Many residents moved into collective shelters or temporary accommodations, while local services experienced increased pressure as displaced families sought medical attention, clean water, and protection support.
The appeal intends to reach 850,000 individuals and support 140 institutions or government entities. It encompasses regions including La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Key activities planned include the provision of temporary shelter, site management, health services, and protection initiatives. The plan also funds repairs to damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations, and humanitarian partners are working together to coordinate relief efforts. Ongoing field assessments help guide the distribution of aid across the most affected and underserved areas.
Emergency funds prioritize displaced populations
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 individuals residing in collective shelters. The agency has also delivered over 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary housing, medical assistance, protection support, and site management. Field teams continue to evaluate conditions in damaged communities across the six regions, identifying urgent needs and directing resources accordingly. The initiative aims to connect immediate relief efforts with the essential steps for early recovery.
Shelter remains a critical concern as many families cannot return to their damaged homes. The response strategy supports those in collective facilities, temporary accommodations, and affected residential areas. It also includes aid for sanitation systems, healthcare facilities, and safe water supplies. Protection teams assist displaced residents facing additional vulnerabilities. Site coordinators collaborate with local institutions to improve services and living standards. Recovery efforts focus on restoring vital infrastructure used daily by communities.
A comprehensive 12-month recovery plan backed by funding
An earlier flash appeal outlined humanitarian activities scheduled from July to December 2026. The current announcement expands this to a full 12-month period dedicated to emergency response and recovery. The $98 million request covers shelter initiatives, public services, and operational coordination. It also allocates funds for healthcare, protection, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams will implement these resources in major population centers and smaller communities, prioritizing verified needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
The earthquake response remains ongoing as families rely on temporary shelters and public assistance. Damage to clinics, roads, and water systems has strained local authorities and service providers. The requested funding aims to sustain relief operations while critical infrastructure is repaired. The program includes support for accommodation, healthcare, protection, infrastructure, and site management. It also assists institutions providing essential services in affected areas. Aid efforts will focus on communities facing displacement, housing destruction, and utility disruptions.