GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued an appeal for $98 million to aid in Venezuela’s earthquake response. The funds are intended to support emergency relief and early recovery activities over the next 12 months. On June 24, two significant earthquakes struck northern Venezuela, causing widespread devastation. Official reports released on July 15 cited 4,829 fatalities and 16,740 injuries, while authorities also noted that 17,907 individuals had lost their homes. 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 neighboring regions, damaging residences, hospitals, roads, water systems, and other critical infrastructure. Aftershocks have hampered rescue operations and complicated damage assessments in several communities. Many residents have relocated to collective shelters or temporary housing. Local services are experiencing increased demand as displaced families seek medical assistance, clean water, and protection services.
The appeal is designed to reach 850,000 people and support 140 institutions or public agencies. It encompasses regions such as La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Key activities include establishing temporary shelters, managing sites, providing healthcare, and implementing protection programs. The initiative also funds repairs to damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations, and humanitarian partners are working in coordination to deliver aid, with field assessments guiding the distribution of resources to the most affected and underserved communities.
Emergency funding prioritizes displaced populations
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 individuals residing in collective accommodation sites and have delivered over 10,000 services since the earthquakes. These include temporary housing, healthcare, protection support, and site management. Ongoing assessments in damaged communities across the six regions help identify urgent needs and allocate resources efficiently. The initiative aims to connect immediate relief efforts with early recovery measures.
Shelter remains a critical concern, as many families are unable to return to their damaged homes. The response plan supports those in collective shelters, temporary accommodations, and affected residential areas. It also includes interventions to repair sanitation systems, healthcare facilities, and water networks. Protection teams assist displaced residents facing additional risks. Site coordinators collaborate with local institutions to improve living conditions and services. Recovery efforts focus on restoring essential infrastructure used daily by communities.
Funding aims at a 12-month recovery plan
A previous flash appeal outlined humanitarian activities scheduled from July to December 2026. The current announcement broadens the scope to a 12-month period dedicated to emergency response and recovery. The $98 million request funds shelter projects, public services, and field coordination efforts. It also allocates resources for healthcare, protection, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams will deploy this funding across major urban centers and smaller communities, prioritizing verified needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
As families continue relying on temporary shelters and public assistance, the earthquake response remains ongoing. Damages to clinics, roads, and water systems have increased pressure on local authorities and service providers. The requested funds aim to sustain relief operations while critical infrastructure is repaired. The programs cover accommodation, healthcare, protection, infrastructure, and site management. They also support institutions providing essential services in affected areas, with a continued focus on displaced communities, damaged housing, and interrupted utilities.