GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has initiated a $98 million appeal to support Venezuela’s earthquake response efforts. The requested funds aim to fund 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 also lacked access to safe shelter. The appeal emphasizes shelter, health services, and early recovery as key priorities in the response.
The IOM plan encompasses site management, protection services, and support for damaged public infrastructure. It also includes water systems, healthcare facilities, and other vital services. The agency identified affected areas such as La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Numerous communities continue to face destroyed homes and disrupted utilities. Overcrowded collective sites have heightened the demand for shelter and basic care. IOM stated that the funding would assist both severely affected and underserved locations.
To date, IOM has provided assistance to nearly 6,000 individuals in collective sites under its coordination. More than 10,000 services have been delivered since the earthquakes, including temporary housing, healthcare, and protection support. Local teams have expanded their operations across the impacted states. The response involves cooperation among government agencies, local communities, and humanitarian partners, ensuring aid is aligned with verified needs. The initiative also integrates emergency relief with early recovery planning.
Earthquake Relief Effort Focuses on Shelter and Basic Services
The appeal aims to ensure safe and dignified shelter throughout the recovery process, supporting families in collective sites or temporary accommodations. IOM also intends to assist in repairing essential services within affected communities. The activities include shelter management, health support, protection, and early recovery efforts. Needs assessments will guide assistance distribution in damaged and underserved areas. The organization emphasizes a combined approach of immediate relief and practical recovery actions. Funding will further enhance coordination with public institutions and humanitarian partners.
The earthquakes on June 24 involved two tremors registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart in northern Venezuela. These seismic events caused intense shaking in densely populated zones. Aftershocks complicated rescue efforts and hindered damage evaluations. Extensive damage was reported to homes, hospitals, roads, and water infrastructure. Several states experienced significant disruptions to public services and transport. Many residents had to seek shelter or temporary housing due to the destruction.
Widespread Humanitarian Challenges in the Affected Regions
Humanitarian assessments highlight significant needs among children and families. An earlier estimate indicated that 1.8 million people required humanitarian aid, including approximately 680,000 children. Critical needs encompass access to safe water, sanitation, medical care, shelter, and protection. The IOM appeal allocates specific funding for displacement management and site operations. It also supports recovery efforts aimed at restoring damaged services and community infrastructure. These activities are structured around a 12-month response framework.
Lia Poggio, IOM Venezuela head, emphasized that recovery efforts would need ongoing support, noting that families require shelter and assistance in restoring essential services. The organization plans to collaborate with government agencies and local partners. Its appeal presents a comprehensive year-long plan for emergency aid and recovery activities. The $98 million funding will support shelter, health, protection, and coordination initiatives, as well as early recovery projects in the most affected and underserved areas. IOM reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing verified needs across all impacted communities.