GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued an appeal for $98 million to support Venezuela’s earthquake response efforts. The requested funds will cover 12 months of emergency relief and early recovery activities. This initiative follows the earthquakes that struck northern and central Venezuela on June 24, causing widespread destruction. As of July 16, authorities reported 4,930 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Many families remain without secure housing. The appeal emphasizes shelter, healthcare, and early recovery as key components of the response.
The IOM plan addresses site coordination, protection services, and support for damaged public infrastructure. It also includes water supply systems, healthcare facilities, and other critical services. The organization identified La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón as among the most affected regions. Numerous 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 will support both severely affected and underserved areas.
To date, IOM has aided nearly 6,000 individuals in collective sites under its coordination and has provided more than 10,000 services since the earthquakes occurred. These services include temporary housing, healthcare, and protection support. Local teams have expanded their operations across the impacted states. Coordination involves government agencies, local communities, and humanitarian partners, ensuring aid is directed to verified needs. The response strategy also links emergency relief efforts with early recovery planning.
Earthquake Relief Focuses on Shelter and Critical Services
The appeal aims to ensure safe and respectful shelter throughout the recovery phase, supporting families in collective sites or temporary housing. Additionally, IOM plans to assist in repairing essential services within affected communities. Activities include shelter management, healthcare, protection, and early recovery initiatives. Teams will evaluate needs and coordinate assistance in damaged and underserved zones. The approach combines immediate relief with practical recovery actions. Funding will also enhance cooperation with public institutions and humanitarian partners.
The June 24 event involved two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitudes, striking approximately 40 seconds apart in northern Venezuela. These tremors caused intense shaking in densely populated regions. Aftershocks complicated rescue efforts and damage assessments. Homes, hospitals, roads, and water infrastructure suffered extensive destruction. Several states experienced major disruptions to public services and transport links. Many residents were forced into shelters or other temporary accommodations due to the widespread damage.
Widespread Humanitarian Needs Persist Across Affected Regions
Humanitarian assessments reveal significant needs among children and families. An earlier estimate indicated that 1.8 million people require humanitarian aid, including about 680,000 children. Critical needs encompass safe water, sanitation, medical treatment, shelter, and protection. The IOM appeal allocates dedicated funds for displacement management and site operations, as well as recovery activities related to damaged services and community infrastructure. These efforts are structured around the organization’s 12-month response framework.
IOM Venezuela head Lia Poggio emphasized that recovery will depend on sustained support. She highlighted the necessity for families to have shelter and assistance in restoring essential services. The organization intends to collaborate closely with government agencies and local partners. Its appeal outlines a comprehensive yearlong plan for emergency relief and recovery. The $98 million request will fund shelter, healthcare, protection, and coordination initiatives, including early recovery efforts in the most affected and underserved areas. IOM reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing verified needs across all impacted communities.