GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a call for $98 million to support the response to the earthquake in Venezuela. The funds are intended to finance emergency relief and early recovery activities over a 12-month period. On June 24, two significant earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. Official figures released on July 15 reported 4,829 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Authorities also stated 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 approximately 40 seconds apart. The tremors heavily impacted Caracas, La Guaira, and several surrounding states. The disaster caused widespread damage to residential buildings, hospitals, roads, water supply systems, and other critical infrastructure. Aftershocks hampered rescue efforts and complicated damage assessments in some communities. Many residents have moved into collective shelters or temporary housing. Local services are under increased strain as displaced families seek medical attention, clean water, and protection support.
This appeal aims to reach 850,000 people and assist 140 institutions or public agencies. It covers regions including La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. The planned activities involve providing temporary shelter, site management, health services, and protection programs. The initiative also includes repairs to damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations, and humanitarian partners are working in coordination to deliver relief. Field assessments are guiding the distribution of aid in the most affected and underserved areas.
Emergency funds prioritized for displaced households
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 individuals residing in collective shelter sites. The agency has also delivered over 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary housing, medical care, protection support, and site management. Staff continue to evaluate conditions in damaged communities across the six regions, with findings helping to identify urgent needs and allocate resources accordingly. This program links immediate relief efforts with essential steps toward early recovery.
Shelter remains a primary concern, 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 areas. It also includes assistance for sanitation systems, health facilities, and access to safe water. Protection teams help displaced residents who face increased risks. Site coordinators collaborate with local institutions to improve services and living conditions. Recovery activities focus on restoring vital infrastructure used daily by communities.
Funding aims for a 12-month recovery plan
An earlier flash appeal outlined humanitarian operations from July to December 2026. The new announcement expands this to a 12-month period for emergency response and recovery. The $98 million request will fund shelter initiatives, public services, and field coordination efforts. It also allocates resources for healthcare, protection, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams plan to deploy the funds across major urban centers and smaller communities. The recovery framework emphasizes validated needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
As families continue to rely on temporary shelter and public assistance, the earthquake response remains ongoing. Damage to clinics, roads, and water networks has increased pressure on local authorities and service providers. The requested funding aims to sustain relief operations while critical systems are repaired. Programs include housing, healthcare, protection, infrastructure, and site management. The plan also supports institutions providing essential services in affected zones. Assistance will remain concentrated on communities facing displacement, housing destruction, and utility disruptions.