GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a request for $98 million to aid Venezuela’s earthquake response. The funds are intended to provide emergency support and early recovery efforts over a 12-month period. On June 24, two significant earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. Government reports released on July 15 indicated 4,829 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Authorities also noted that 17,907 individuals had lost their homes. The humanitarian response continues to prioritize shelter, health services, and essential utilities.
The earthquakes registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart. Intense tremors affected Caracas, La Guaira, and nearby states. The disaster caused damage to residences, hospitals, roads, water supply systems, and other public infrastructure. Aftershocks disrupted rescue efforts and complicated damage 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 agencies. It covers regions including La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Planned activities encompass temporary shelter, site management, healthcare, and protection initiatives. The plan also includes repairs to damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations, and humanitarian partners continue to coordinate relief efforts. Field assessments are guiding the equitable distribution of aid across affected and underserved areas.
Emergency funding prioritizes 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 shelter, medical assistance, protection support, and site coordination. Staff members persist in evaluating conditions in impacted communities across the six regions. These assessments help identify urgent needs and direct resources to areas with the most severe disruptions. The program connects immediate relief efforts with practical measures for early recovery.
Shelter remains a critical necessity as thousands of families are unable to return to their damaged homes. The response plan supports those in collective centers, temporary accommodations, and affected residential neighborhoods. It also encompasses aid for sanitation facilities, health clinics, and potable water networks. Protection teams work to mitigate risks faced by displaced residents. Site coordinators collaborate with local institutions to enhance services and living standards. 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 planned 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 field coordination. It also allocates funds for healthcare, protection, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams will deploy the resources across major population centers and smaller communities. The recovery framework emphasizes verified needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
The earthquake response remains ongoing as families rely on temporary housing 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 while critical infrastructure is repaired. The programs include support for accommodation, healthcare, protection, infrastructure, and site management. The plan also facilitates the operation of institutions providing essential services in affected regions. Assistance will continue to focus on communities experiencing displacement, housing damage, and utility disruptions.