GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a call for $98 million to aid Venezuela’s earthquake relief operations. The funds will be used for emergency response and early-stage recovery over the next 12 months. On June 24, two significant earthquakes impacted northern Venezuela. Official data released on July 15 reported 4,829 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Authorities also noted that 17,907 individuals had lost their homes. Providing shelter, health services, and essential utilities remains at the core of ongoing humanitarian efforts.
The earthquakes registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart. Intense tremors affected Caracas, La Guaira, and several neighboring states. The disaster caused extensive damage to residential buildings, hospitals, roads, water supply systems, and other public infrastructure. Aftershocks hampered rescue operations and hindered damage assessments in some areas. Many residents have relocated to communal shelters or temporary accommodations. Local services are experiencing increased demand as displaced families seek medical attention, clean water, and protection services.
The appeal aims to support 850,000 people and 140 institutions or government entities. It encompasses La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Key activities include establishing temporary shelters, site management, health interventions, and protection initiatives. The plan also involves repairing damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations, and humanitarian partners are working together to coordinate relief efforts. Field assessments are guiding the targeted distribution of aid to both affected and underserved communities.
Emergency funding prioritizes displaced families
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 individuals in collective shelters. Since the earthquakes, the agency has delivered over 10,000 services, including temporary housing, medical assistance, protection support, and site coordination. Field staff continue to evaluate conditions across damaged communities in the six regions, with findings helping to identify urgent needs and allocate resources to the most severely impacted areas. The program links immediate relief efforts with early recovery steps necessary for rebuilding.
Shelter remains a critical issue as thousands of families are unable to return to their damaged homes. The response plan provides support to those in collective centers, temporary accommodations, and affected residential zones. It also includes interventions for sanitation, health facilities, and access to safe water. Protection teams work to mitigate additional risks faced by displaced residents. Site coordinators partner with local institutions to improve living conditions and services. Recovery activities emphasize restoring essential infrastructure used daily by communities.
Funding aims for a 12-month recovery plan
An earlier flash appeal outlined humanitarian activities from July through December 2026. The new announcement extends the emergency response and recovery efforts over a full year. The $98 million request will finance shelter projects, public services, and field coordination. It also allocates funds for health care, protection, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams will deploy resources across major cities and smaller communities, prioritizing verified needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
The earthquake response persists as families depend on temporary shelters and public aid. Damage to clinics, roads, and water systems has increased pressure on local authorities and service providers. The requested funding aims to sustain relief operations during ongoing repairs. Programs include accommodation, health services, protection, infrastructure, and site management. The plan also supports local institutions delivering essential services in affected zones. Assistance will continue to focus on communities experiencing displacement, housing damage, and utility disruptions.