GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued an appeal for $98 million to aid Venezuela’s earthquake relief initiatives. The requested funds would be used for emergency support and early recovery activities over a period of 12 months. On June 24, two significant earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. Official figures released on July 15 report 4,829 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Authorities also indicated that 17,907 individuals had lost their residences. 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 states. The disaster caused extensive damage to homes, hospitals, roads, water supply systems, and other public infrastructure. Aftershocks hampered rescue operations and complicated damage assessments in several communities. Many residents sought refuge in collective shelters or temporary accommodations. Local services experienced increased demand as displaced families required medical attention, clean water, and protection support.
The appeal aims to benefit 850,000 people and support 140 institutions or public entities. It covers regions including La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Planned interventions encompass temporary shelters, site management, healthcare services, and protection initiatives. The plan also includes repairs to damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations, and humanitarian partners are working together to coordinate relief efforts. Field assessments help guide the distribution of aid to affected and underserved communities.
Emergency funding prioritizes displaced populations
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 individuals residing in collective accommodation centers. The agency has also delivered over 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary shelter, medical assistance, protection support, and site coordination. Staff continue to evaluate conditions across damaged communities in the six affected regions. These assessments identify urgent needs and help direct resources to areas experiencing severe disruption. The program aims to link immediate relief efforts with early recovery measures.
Shelter remains one of the most critical needs, as many families cannot return to their damaged homes. The response plan supports people remaining in collective sites, temporary housing, and affected residential areas. It also provides assistance for sanitation systems, healthcare facilities, and access to safe water. Protection teams work to mitigate risks for 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.
Funding aims for a year-long recovery process
An earlier flash appeal outlined humanitarian activities spanning July to December 2026. The latest appeal sets a broader 12-month timeline for emergency response and recovery. The $98 million request covers shelter programs, public services, and field coordination efforts. It also allocates resources for healthcare, protection, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams will utilize this funding across major population centers and smaller communities. The recovery framework emphasizes verified needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
The earthquake response remains ongoing as families rely on temporary shelters and public aid. Damage to clinics, roads, and water networks has increased pressure on local authorities and service providers. The funding request aims to sustain relief operations while critical systems are repaired. Programs include accommodation, healthcare, protection, infrastructure, and site management. The plan also supports institutions providing essential services in affected areas. Assistance will prioritize communities experiencing displacement, housing damage, and utility disruptions.