GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a $98 million appeal to aid Venezuela’s earthquake response. The requested funds will support 12 months of emergency relief and early recovery activities. This appeal follows the earthquakes on June 24 that caused destruction in northern and central regions of the country. As of July 16, authorities reported 4,930 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Many families are also without secure housing. The appeal emphasizes shelter, healthcare, and early recovery as key priorities in the response effort.
The IOM plan encompasses site management, protection services, and assistance for damaged public infrastructure. It also includes water supply systems, healthcare facilities, and other vital services. The agency identified La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón as among the impacted areas. Numerous communities continue to face destroyed homes and disrupted utilities. Overcrowded collective centers have heightened demand for shelter and basic necessities. IOM indicated that the funding would assist both heavily affected and marginally served locations.
To date, IOM has helped nearly 6,000 individuals in collective sites through its coordination efforts. It has provided over 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary shelter, healthcare, and protection support. Local teams have expanded efforts across the impacted states. The response is coordinated with government agencies, local communities, and humanitarian partners, ensuring aid is directed toward verified needs. The initiative also links emergency relief with early recovery planning.
Earthquake Relief Focuses on Shelter and Critical Services
The appeal aims to deliver safe and dignified shelter throughout the recovery phase. It includes support for families residing in collective centers or temporary accommodations. Additionally, IOM plans to assist in repairing essential services within affected communities. Activities involve shelter management, healthcare, protection, and early recovery initiatives. Teams will evaluate needs and allocate aid across damaged and underserved regions. The approach integrates immediate relief with practical recovery actions. The funding will also enhance coordination with public agencies and humanitarian organizations.
The events on June 24 involved two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart in northern Venezuela. These tremors caused intense shaking in densely populated zones. Aftershocks complicated rescue operations and damage assessments. Homes, hospitals, roads, and water infrastructure suffered extensive destruction. Several states experienced significant disruptions to public services and transport. Many residents were forced into shelters or other temporary housing options due to the damage.
Widespread Humanitarian Needs Persist in the Affected Regions
Humanitarian assessments highlight significant needs among children and families. An earlier estimate indicated that 1.8 million people required aid, including approximately 680,000 children. Critical needs encompass access to safe water, sanitation, medical services, shelter, and protection. The IOM appeal includes dedicated funding for displacement management and site operations. It also supports recovery activities related to damaged services and community infrastructure. These efforts are structured around the 12-month response framework established by the organization.
IOM Venezuela director Lia Poggio emphasized that recovery will require ongoing support. She noted that families need accommodation and assistance in restoring vital services. The agency intends to collaborate with government agencies and local partners. The appeal outlines a yearlong plan for emergency aid and recovery. The $98 million request will fund shelter, healthcare, protection, and coordination initiatives, as well as early recovery efforts in the most affected and underserved areas. IOM reaffirmed that the response will continue to prioritize verified needs across all impacted communities.