GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued an appeal for $98 million to support the response to the earthquake in Venezuela. The funds are intended to provide emergency aid and early recovery efforts over a 12-month period. On June 24, two significant earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. Official reports released on July 15 indicated 4,829 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Authorities also noted that 17,907 individuals had been displaced from their homes. The humanitarian response continues to prioritize shelter, healthcare, and essential services.
The earthquakes registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart. Intense tremors affected Caracas, La Guaira, and nearby regions. The disaster caused extensive damage to residences, hospitals, roads, water systems, and other public infrastructure. Aftershocks further hampered rescue efforts and complicated damage assessments in various 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 services.
This appeal aims to support 850,000 people and assist 140 institutions or public entities. It encompasses La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Key activities include providing temporary shelter, managing sites, delivering health services, and implementing protection programs. The initiative also funds repairs to damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations, and humanitarian partners are coordinating relief efforts. Field assessments are guiding the distribution of aid to the most affected and underserved areas.
Emergency funding prioritizes displaced populations
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 individuals residing in collective accommodation sites. The agency has delivered over 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary shelter, medical assistance, protection support, and site management. Field staff continue evaluating conditions in damaged communities across the six regions. These assessments help identify urgent needs and enable targeted resource allocation to areas experiencing severe disruption. The program links immediate relief efforts with early recovery measures.
Shelter remains a critical concern since many families cannot return to their damaged homes. The response strategy supports those in collective centers, temporary accommodations, and affected residential areas. It also includes assistance for sanitation systems, healthcare facilities, and safe water supplies. Protection teams work to mitigate risks faced by displaced residents. Site coordinators collaborate with local institutions to improve services and living conditions. 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 scheduled from July to December 2026. The current appeal expands this to cover a 12-month emergency response and recovery period. The $98 million request funds shelter initiatives, public services, and field coordination. It also allocates resources for healthcare, protection, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams will deploy these funds across major population centers and smaller communities. The framework emphasizes the importance of verified needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
The earthquake response persists as families rely on temporary shelters and public aid. Damage to clinics, roads, and water networks has strained local authorities and service providers. The requested funds aim to sustain relief operations during ongoing repairs of critical systems. The programs include housing, healthcare, protection, infrastructure, and site management. They also support institutions providing essential services in affected areas. Assistance will continue to focus on communities facing displacement, housing destruction, and utility disruptions.