GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued an appeal for $98 million to aid Venezuela’s earthquake response. The funds will be allocated to emergency relief and early reconstruction efforts over the course of 12 months. 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 indicated that 17,907 individuals had lost their homes. Providing shelter, healthcare, and essential services continues to be at the core of the humanitarian response.
The earthquakes registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart. Intense tremors impacted Caracas, La Guaira, and several nearby states. The disaster caused damage to residences, hospitals, roads, water supply systems, and other critical infrastructure. Aftershocks hampered rescue efforts and complicated damage assessments in certain 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 support.
This appeal aims to reach 850,000 individuals and support 140 institutions or public agencies. It covers areas including La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Planned interventions include temporary shelters, site management, health services, and protection initiatives. The plan also encompasses repairs to damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations, and humanitarian partners are working together to coordinate relief efforts. Field assessments inform the distribution of aid across the most affected and underserved regions.
Emergency funding prioritizes displaced households
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 people residing in collective shelters. Since the earthquakes, the agency has delivered over 10,000 services, including temporary accommodation, medical assistance, protection support, and site coordination. Staff continue to evaluate conditions in damaged communities across the six regions. These assessments help identify urgent needs and guide resource allocation to areas experiencing severe disruptions. The program connects immediate relief efforts with essential steps for early recovery.
Shelter remains a critical requirement as thousands of families are unable to return to their damaged homes. The response plan supports those in collective shelters, temporary accommodations, and affected residential zones. It also includes assistance for sanitation systems, healthcare facilities, and safe water networks. Protection teams help displaced residents who face additional risks. Site coordinators collaborate with local institutions to enhance services and living conditions. Recovery activities focus on restoring vital infrastructure used daily by communities.
Funding aims for a comprehensive 12-month recovery plan
An earlier flash appeal outlined humanitarian operations from July through December 2026. The current announcement extends the timeframe to cover a full year for emergency response and recovery actions. The $98 million requested will support shelter initiatives, public services, and field coordination efforts. It also allocates resources for healthcare, protection, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams will deploy these funds across major urban centers and smaller communities. The recovery framework emphasizes verified needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
As families continue to rely on temporary shelter and public aid, the earthquake response persists. Damage to clinics, roads, and water systems has strained local authorities and service providers. This funding request aims to sustain relief activities while vital systems undergo repairs. Programs include housing assistance, healthcare, protection, infrastructure, and site management. Support is also directed toward institutions providing essential services in affected areas. The focus remains on assisting communities facing displacement, housing destruction, and utility disruptions.