GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued an appeal for $98 million to support Venezuela’s earthquake response. The funds will be used for emergency relief and early recovery activities over the next 12 months. On June 24, two significant earthquakes struck northern Venezuela. Government 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. Assistance focusing on shelter, healthcare, and essential services remains at the core of the humanitarian effort.
The earthquakes registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart. Intense tremors impacted Caracas, La Guaira, and several neighboring regions. The disaster caused damage to residential buildings, hospitals, roads, water supply systems, and other critical infrastructure. Aftershocks hampered rescue activities and made assessments more difficult in some communities. Many residents sought refuge in collective shelters or temporary accommodations. Local services faced increased demands as displaced families looked for medical aid, clean water, and protection support.
The appeal targets assistance for 850,000 people and aims to support 140 institutions or public entities. It encompasses areas including La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Planned interventions include temporary shelter, site management, healthcare provision, and protection initiatives. The plan also allocates resources for 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 distribution of aid across affected and underserved regions.
Emergency funding prioritizes displaced households
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 individuals in collective shelters. The agency has also delivered over 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary housing, medical support, protection services, and site management. Staff continue assessing conditions across damaged communities in the six affected regions. These evaluations help identify urgent needs and direct resources to areas experiencing the most severe disruptions. The program links immediate relief efforts with necessary steps for early recovery.
Shelter remains a critical requirement as many families cannot return to their damaged homes. The response strategy supports those in collective shelters, temporary accommodations, and affected residential zones. It also includes assistance for sanitation facilities, healthcare centers, and safe water networks. Protection teams work with displaced residents who face additional vulnerabilities. Site coordinators collaborate with local institutions to improve services and living conditions. Recovery activities emphasize restoring essential infrastructure used daily by communities.
Funding aims for a comprehensive 12-month recovery plan
An earlier flash appeal outlined humanitarian efforts from July to December 2026. The current announcement expands this to a full 12-month timeframe for emergency response and recovery. The $98 million request covers shelter initiatives, public services, and field coordination. It also allocates resources for health care, protection, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams will deploy the funds across major urban centers and smaller communities. The framework prioritizes verified needs identified via local assessments and operational data.
As families continue to rely on temporary shelters and public aid, the earthquake response persists. Damage to clinics, roads, and water systems has exerted pressure on local authorities and service providers. The requested funds aim to sustain relief operations while critical systems are repaired. Programs include housing, healthcare, protection, infrastructure, and site management. The initiative also supports institutions delivering essential services in affected regions. Assistance will focus on communities facing displacement, housing damage, and utility disruptions.