GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a $98 million appeal to support Venezuela’s earthquake emergency response. The requested funds are intended to cover 12 months of urgent relief and early recovery activities. This initiative follows the earthquakes on June 24 that caused destruction in the northern and central regions of the country. As of July 16, authorities reported 4,930 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Additionally, many families remain without safe housing. The appeal emphasizes shelter, healthcare, and early recovery as key priorities in the response effort.
The IOM plan encompasses site coordination, protection services, and assistance for damaged public infrastructure. It also includes repairs to water systems, health facilities, and other critical services. The agency identified La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón as among the most affected areas. Numerous communities still face issues such as damaged homes and disrupted utilities. Overcrowded collective centers have increased the demand for shelter and basic necessities. IOM stated that the funding would support both heavily impacted and underserved locations.
To date, IOM has helped nearly 6,000 people in collective sites under its coordination. It has provided over 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary shelter, healthcare, and protection assistance. Local teams have expanded their operations across the affected states. The response involves coordination among government authorities, local communities, and humanitarian partners, which helps ensure aid is directed to verified needs. The approach also links emergency relief with early recovery planning.
Earthquake Relief Focuses on Shelter and Basic Services
The appeal aims to deliver safe, 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 in impacted communities. Its activities encompass shelter management, healthcare, protection, and early recovery initiatives. Teams will assess needs and guide assistance efforts across damaged and underserved regions. The organization highlighted that this strategy combines immediate relief with practical recovery actions. Funding will also strengthen collaboration with public institutions and humanitarian partners.
The earthquakes on June 24 involved two seismic events of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart in northern Venezuela. The tremors caused intense shaking in densely populated areas. Aftershocks further hampered rescue operations and complicated damage assessments. Homes, hospitals, roads, and water infrastructure sustained extensive damage. Several states experienced significant disruptions to public services and transport links. Many residents had to seek shelter in temporary housing or other safe locations.
Widespread Humanitarian Needs Persist in the Affected Regions
Humanitarian assessments have identified critical needs among children and families. An earlier estimate indicated that 1.8 million people required humanitarian aid, including approximately 680,000 children. Priority needs include access to safe water, sanitation, medical services, shelter, and protection. The IOM appeal allocates dedicated funding for displacement management and site operations. It also supports recovery efforts related to damaged services and community infrastructure. These activities are structured around the organization’s 12-month response framework.
IOM Venezuela chief Lia Poggio emphasized that recovery efforts will require ongoing support. She noted that families need proper shelter and assistance in restoring vital services. The organization intends to collaborate with government agencies and local partners. Its appeal outlines a year-long plan for emergency aid and recovery initiatives. The $98 million request will fund programs related to shelter, health, protection, and coordination. It will also support early recovery efforts in the most affected and underserved areas. IOM reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing verified needs across all impacted communities.