GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued an appeal for $98 million to facilitate Venezuela’s earthquake relief operations. The funds are intended to support emergency aid and early recovery initiatives over a 12-month period. Two significant earthquakes struck the northern region of Venezuela on June 24. Official reports released on July 15 indicate 4,829 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Authorities also noted that 17,907 individuals had lost their homes. Providing shelter, healthcare, and essential services remains at the core of the ongoing humanitarian efforts.
The earthquakes registered magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart. Intense tremors impacted Caracas, La Guaira, and several neighboring states. The disaster caused damage to residential buildings, hospitals, roads, water supply systems, and other vital infrastructure. Aftershocks hindered rescue operations and complicated damage assessments in some communities. Many residents sought refuge in collective shelters or temporary housing. Local services experienced increased demand as displaced families sought medical attention, clean water, and protection assistance.
The appeal is designed to support 850,000 individuals and 140 institutions or public agencies. It covers areas including La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Planned activities encompass temporary shelter, site management, healthcare services, and protection programs. The initiative also aims to repair damaged utilities and community infrastructure. Venezuelan authorities, local organizations, and humanitarian partners are working together to coordinate relief efforts. Field assessments inform the allocation of aid in affected and underserved regions.
Emergency funds prioritize displaced households
IOM teams have assisted nearly 6,000 people residing in collective accommodation sites. The agency has also delivered over 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary shelter, medical care, 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 distribution to areas with severe disruptions. The program links immediate relief efforts with early recovery measures.
Shelter remains a critical requirement since many families are unable to return to their destroyed homes. The response plan supports those staying in collective sites, temporary accommodations, and affected residential zones. It also includes assistance for sanitation systems, healthcare facilities, and safe water supplies. Protection teams work with displaced residents who face additional risks. Site coordinators collaborate with local institutions to enhance services and living conditions. Recovery activities focus on restoring essential infrastructure used daily by communities.
Funding supports a comprehensive 12-month recovery plan
An earlier flash appeal outlined humanitarian operations from July through December 2026. The current appeal extends this framework to a full year, encompassing emergency response and recovery efforts. The $98 million request funds shelter programs, public services, and field coordination. It also allocates resources for healthcare, protection, and infrastructure repairs. Humanitarian teams will utilize the funds across major population centers and smaller communities. The strategy emphasizes needs identified through local assessments and operational data.
As families continue to rely on temporary shelters and public assistance, the earthquake response persists. Damaged clinics, roads, and water systems have increased the burden on local authorities and service providers. The requested funds aim to sustain relief operations while critical systems are repaired. The programs include shelter, healthcare, protection, infrastructure, and site management. Additionally, the plan supports institutions responsible for delivering essential services in affected areas. Assistance remains focused on communities facing displacement, housing destruction, and utility disruptions.