GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a call for $98 million to aid Venezuela’s earthquake relief efforts. The requested funds would be allocated for emergency support and initial recovery activities over a 12-month period. On June 24, two significant earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. Official data released on July 15 reported 4,829 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Authorities also indicated that 17,907 individuals had lost their homes. Providing shelter, healthcare, and essential services continues to be a core component of the ongoing humanitarian response.
The earthquakes had magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart. Intense tremors affected Caracas, La Guaira, and adjacent regions. The disaster inflicted damage on residential buildings, hospitals, roads, water supply systems, and other vital infrastructure. Aftershocks hampered rescue efforts and complicated damage assessments in various communities. Many residents sought refuge in collective shelters or temporary housing. Local services experienced increased demand as displaced families needed medical attention, clean water, and protection support.
The appeal aims to support 850,000 people and assist 140 institutions or public entities. It includes regions such as La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Planned interventions encompass temporary shelter, site management, healthcare, 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. Field assessments are guiding the distribution of aid to affected and underserved areas.
Emergency funding prioritizes displaced families
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 individuals residing in collective accommodation centers. The organization has provided over 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary housing, medical assistance, protection support, and site coordination. Ongoing assessments in damaged communities across six regions help identify critical shortages and direct resources to areas experiencing severe disruption. The initiative links immediate relief efforts with early recovery measures.
Shelter remains a primary concern because many families cannot return to their damaged homes. The response plan supports those staying in collective centers, temporary accommodations, and affected residential areas. It also includes interventions to repair sanitation systems, health facilities, and safe water supplies. Protection teams assist displaced residents facing additional risks. Site coordinators collaborate with local institutions to enhance services and living conditions. Recovery activities focus on restoring essential infrastructure used daily by communities.
The funding aims for a year-long recovery strategy
An earlier flash appeal outlined humanitarian activities from July through December 2026. The current announcement expands the timeframe to 12 months for emergency response and recovery efforts. The $98 million request will support shelter initiatives, public services, and field coordination. It also allocates resources for healthcare, protection, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams plan to utilize the funds across major urban centers and smaller communities. The strategy emphasizes verified needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
The earthquake response persists as families remain dependent on temporary shelters and public aid. Damage to clinics, roads, and water networks has strained local authorities and service providers. The requested funding aims to sustain relief operations while essential infrastructure is repaired. Programs include accommodation, healthcare, protection, and site management. The plan also supports institutions providing basic services in affected regions. Assistance will continue to focus on communities experiencing displacement, housing damage, and utility disruptions.