GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued an appeal for $98 million to bolster Venezuela’s earthquake response. The funds are intended to support emergency relief and early recovery activities over a 12-month period. On June 24, two significant earthquakes impacted northern Venezuela. Official reports released on July 15 indicate 4,829 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Authorities also stated that 17,907 individuals have been displaced from their homes. Humanitarian efforts prioritize shelter, healthcare, and essential services.
The earthquakes registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 and struck approximately 40 seconds apart. Intense tremors affected Caracas, La Guaira, and several surrounding regions. The disaster caused damage to residences, hospitals, roads, water systems, and other public infrastructure. Aftershocks hampered rescue operations and complicated damage assessments in some communities. Many residents sought refuge in collective shelters or temporary housing. Local services experienced increased demand as displaced families required medical care, clean water, and protection support.
This appeal aims to assist 850,000 people and 140 institutions or public agencies. It covers areas including La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Planned interventions include temporary shelters, site management, healthcare provision, and protection initiatives. The plan also supports repairs to damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations, and humanitarian partners are actively coordinating relief efforts. Field assessments inform the distribution of aid across affected and underserved regions.
Emergency funds prioritize displaced households
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 individuals residing in collective accommodation sites. The agency has also delivered over 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary housing, medical support, protection aid, and site coordination. Staff continue evaluating conditions in damaged communities across the six regions. These assessments help identify urgent needs and allocate resources to the most affected areas. The program links immediate relief efforts with early recovery steps.
Shelter remains a critical need as many 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 assistance for sanitation systems, healthcare facilities, and safe water networks. Protection teams work to mitigate 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.
Funding supports a 12-month recovery strategy
An earlier flash appeal outlined humanitarian efforts from July to December 2026. The new appeal extends the timeline to a full year for emergency response and recovery. The $98 million request encompasses shelter programs, public services, and field coordination. It also allocates resources for healthcare, protection, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams will deploy funds across major population centers and smaller communities. The recovery framework emphasizes verified needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
The earthquake response persists as families rely on temporary shelter and public assistance. Damage to clinics, roads, and water systems has increased pressure on local authorities and service providers. The requested funds aim to sustain relief operations during the repair of essential systems. The programs include accommodation, health services, protection, infrastructure, and site management. The plan also supports institutions providing basic services in affected zones. Assistance will prioritize communities facing displacement, damaged housing, and utility disruptions.