GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a call for $98 million to support Venezuela’s earthquake response efforts. The requested funds will cover a year of urgent relief operations and early-stage recovery activities. This appeal follows the earthquakes on June 24 that severely impacted northern and central regions of the country. As of July 16, authorities reported 4,930 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Additionally, thousands of families remain without secure housing. The appeal emphasizes shelter, healthcare, and early recovery as key priorities for the response.
The IOM initiative includes coordination of response sites, protection services, and assistance for damaged public infrastructure. It also aims to restore water supply systems, healthcare facilities, and other critical services. The agency has identified La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón as among the most affected areas. Many communities continue to face destroyed homes and disrupted utilities. Overcrowded collective shelters have heightened the demand for accommodation and basic necessities. IOM stated that the funding would support both heavily impacted and underserved regions.
Since the earthquakes, IOM has provided aid to nearly 6,000 individuals in collective sites under its coordination. It has delivered over 10,000 services, including temporary shelter, healthcare, and protection support. Local teams have expanded their operations across the impacted states. The response involves collaboration among government agencies, community groups, and humanitarian partners, ensuring aid is aligned with verified needs. The effort also links emergency relief with planning for early recovery.
Earthquake Relief Focuses on Shelter and Basic Services
The appeal aims to ensure safe and dignified shelter during the recovery phase, supporting families residing in collective shelters or temporary housing. IOM also plans to assist in restoring essential services in affected communities. Activities include shelter management, healthcare, protection, and early recovery initiatives. Teams will evaluate needs and distribute aid across damaged and underserved areas. The approach combines immediate relief efforts with practical recovery measures. Funding will also enhance coordination with government entities and humanitarian organizations.
The disaster on June 24 involved two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart in northern Venezuela. The earthquakes caused intense shaking across densely populated zones. Aftershocks further complicated rescue efforts and damage assessments. Extensive destruction affected homes, hospitals, roads, and water systems. Several states experienced major disruptions to public services and transport links. As a result, many residents sought refuge in shelters or other temporary accommodations.
Widespread Humanitarian Needs Persist Across the Affected Regions
Humanitarian assessments have identified significant needs among children and families. An earlier estimate indicated that 1.8 million people required aid, including approximately 680,000 children. Critical needs include access to safe water, sanitation, medical services, shelter, and protection. The IOM appeal allocates dedicated funds for displacement management and site operations, as well as recovery efforts aimed at restoring damaged services and community infrastructure. These activities are structured within its 12-month response framework.
IOM Venezuela head Lia Poggio emphasized that recovery will demand ongoing support, highlighting the necessity for housing and the restoration of vital services. The agency plans to collaborate with government authorities and local partners. Its appeal outlines a 12-month plan for emergency aid and recovery, with the $98 million fund supporting shelter, health, protection, and coordination initiatives. It also funds early recovery efforts in the most affected and underserved regions. IOM reaffirmed that the response will continue prioritizing verified community needs throughout the recovery process.