Venezuela earthquake disaster: How you can help

On June 24, Venezuela was hit by two devastating magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes. The second shock was the strongest to hit the country in more than a century. Families have lost loved ones, homes, and a sense of security as they begin to face the difficult days ahead.

As Venezuela copes with the mounting destruction following the earthquakes, Mercy Corps is on the ground and coordinating response plans with longstanding regional partners. The rising death toll is nearly 2,300 and over 11,200 people are injured as of July 1st.

What do communities in Venezuela need in the wake of the earthquake disaster?

This latest disaster comes as the country's infrastructure is already under strain. Over the past decade, a severe humanitarian crisis has left 70% of Venezuela’s population in urgent need of assistance. Communities are facing many critical needs, like safe shelter, clean water, food, healthcare, and essential supplies and support.

“Venezuelans who were already facing dire economic conditions that forced millions to flee over the past decade must now rebuild. We stand with Venezuelans in this moment of catastrophe,” said Hugh Aprile, Mercy Corps’ Vice President of Latin America and the Caribbean.

As search and rescue efforts continue, Mercy Corps is working with local partners to meet the most urgent needs for affected families. Our partners report that access to safe shelter and necessities is the most pressing challenge for people who have lost their homes. 

How is Mercy Corps responding?

Mercy Corps’ emergency response in Venezuela will focus on urgent needs, including cash aid, food, hygiene items, and access to clean water and sanitation—as well as support to community health facilities which have sustained damage.

In Caracas, we’re working with a local partner to deliver essential supplies like sanitation and hygiene kits for 200 children from 140 families sheltering in schools, parks, and community centers after their homes were destroyed by the earthquakes.  

We are also in close contact with partners in Miranda state to support early recovery efforts. Many people displaced by the earthquake are expected to seek safety in Miranda. Together with our local partners, we're preparing to support both their immediate needs and their recovery in the months ahead. 

Since 2018, Mercy Corps has been in Venezuela and neighboring Colombia, delivering lifesaving aid while helping communities build long-term resilience. Though we transitioned our programming to local partners late last year, we are back on the ground in Venezuela in the wake of this crisis.

Our work in Venezuela since 2019 has reached hundreds of thousands of people—distributing medical supplies, strengthening maternal care, delivering cash assistance, and equipping communities with entrepreneurship training and savings groups to build stability and resilience. 

How you can help

Your gift today will help Mercy Corps respond to these devastating earthquakes and provide lifesaving support to families facing crises around the world.