GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has appealed for $98 million to support Venezuela’s earthquake response. The funding would cover emergency assistance and early recovery work for 12 months. Two major earthquakes struck northern Venezuela on June 24. Government figures released on July 15 listed 4,829 deaths and 16,740 injuries. Authorities also reported that 17,907 people had lost their homes. Shelter, health care and essential services remain central to the humanitarian operation.
The earthquakes measured magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 and occurred about 40 seconds apart. Strong tremors hit Caracas, La Guaira and several neighboring states. The disaster damaged homes, hospitals, roads, water systems and other public infrastructure. Aftershocks affected rescue operations and complicated assessments across some communities. Many residents moved into collective shelters or temporary housing. Local services also faced greater demand as displaced families sought medical care, clean water and protection support.
The appeal aims to reach 850,000 people and assist 140 institutions or public entities. It covers La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua and Falcón. Planned activities include temporary shelter, site management, health services and protection programs. The plan also supports repairs to damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations and humanitarian partners continue to coordinate relief work. Field assessments guide the distribution of assistance across affected and underserved areas.
Emergency funding focuses on displaced families
IOM teams have supported nearly 6,000 people living in collective accommodation sites. The agency has also provided more than 10,000 services since the earthquakes. These services include temporary lodging, medical care, protection assistance and site coordination. Staff continue to assess conditions in damaged communities across the six regions. Those findings help teams identify urgent shortages and direct resources to areas with severe disruption. The program links immediate relief with practical steps needed for early recovery.
Shelter remains a major need because thousands of families cannot return to damaged homes. The response plan supports people staying in collective sites, temporary accommodation and affected residential areas. It also includes help for sanitation systems, health facilities and safe water networks. Protection teams assist displaced residents who face additional risks. Site coordinators work with local institutions to improve services and living conditions. Recovery activities focus on restoring basic infrastructure that communities use each day.
Appeal supports a yearlong recovery framework
An earlier flash appeal outlined humanitarian activities from July through December 2026. The latest announcement set a broader 12-month period for emergency response and recovery. The $98 million request covers shelter programs, public services and field coordination. It also provides resources for health care, protection and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams will use the funding across major population centers and smaller communities. The framework places priority on verified needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
The earthquake response continues as families depend on temporary shelter and public assistance. Damage to clinics, roads and water networks has placed pressure on local authorities and service providers. The funding request seeks to maintain relief operations while essential systems undergo repairs. Programs cover accommodation, health care, protection, infrastructure and site management. The plan also supports institutions delivering basic services in affected areas. Assistance will remain focused on communities facing displacement, damaged housing and interrupted utilities.
