On 24 June 2026, two powerful earthquakes (Magnitude 7.2 followed by 7.5) struck north-central Venezuela near Morón (Carabobo State), at a depth of approximately 10 km. The events occurred within 39 seconds, constituting a rare “doublet” earthquake. Strong shaking occured across Caracas, Carabobo, La Guaira, Miranda, and Aragua, as well as in neighboring Colombia and parts of the Caribbean.

The Government of Venezuela has declared a State of Emergency. The situation remains desperate and fluid, with ongoing aftershocks increasing risks to affected populations and complicating response efforts.

Impact in Venezuelan citizens:

While the news has extensively covered the destructive impact in central Caracas, strong shaking has also caused significant damage in urban areas. As of 30 June 2026, the United Nations news reports:

• Known deaths > 1700 and likely to rise dramatically with some reports fearful that the number could exceed 10,000.
• Known injured: > 5,000 people
• Known displaced: > 12,000 people
• Known buildings collapsed: > 2,500 structures
• Rescue operations: Over 2000 rescuers from 27 countries are still searching for survivors.
• Many reports point to thousands of citizens still unaccounted for.

Several heavily affected areas remain difficult to access, and assessments are ongoing. Affected populations include urban residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as women- and child-headed households, older persons, people with disabilities, and those living in structurally weak housing.

Short-term impacts include loss of shelter, injuries, disruption of basic services, and psychosocial distress. Long-term consequences are likely to include prolonged displacement, loss of livelihoods, and increased protection risks.

Local and National Capacity:

This one in one hundred year event has overwhelmed the Venezuelan government resources in a country that was already experiencing immense economic and social challenges. Affected populations are primarily relying on family and community support networks while many remain in open spaces, temporary gathering areas, vehicles, and public facilities due to ongoing aftershocks and concerns over the safety of damaged buildings. Power outages and disruptions to telecommunications are affecting access to information and communication with family members. Our ACT Alliance local partners in Caracas, Delta Amacuro, Sucre and Carabobo, observe that communities are also drawing on pre-existing community networks and local partner structures built through ongoing WASH, health/nutrition, legal assistance and MHPSS programming, which are now being  leveraged to support initial response efforts.

The Government of Venezuela has declared a State of Emergency and mobilized national response capacities, including search and rescue teams, emergency medical services, Civil Protection authorities, and security forces. Schools have been temporarily closed, with some facilities designated as temporary shelters and collection points for relief assistance. Authorities have also established a reconstruction fund and appealed for additional equipment and resources to support rescue operations.

Urgent Recovery and Humanitarian Needs:

Preliminary information indicates significant needs in search and rescue support, emergency medical care, shelter assistance, food security, WASH services, protection, and mental health and psychosocial support. Many affected households may require temporary shelter support due to damage to homes and continued aftershocks, while disruptions to electricity, telecommunications, and other basic services are affecting access to essential assistance.

Priority needs identified at this stage include:

• Search and rescue support and emergency medical care for injured and trapped individuals
• Emergency shelter assistance for displaced households and those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed
• Food assistance and basic relief items for affected families
• Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services
• Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to address trauma and distress caused by the earthquake and aftershocks
• Restoration of basic services, including electricity and communications
• Provide essential equipment and operational supplies to support search and rescue teams and first responders conducting life-saving operations

How You Can Help:

Christian World Service (CWS) works with trusted partners throughout the affected region including our global network of the ACT Alliance. We also recognise that many of our supporters may have personal connections to these devastated areas and will wish to offer their financial assistance and prayers. As we call upon our supporters to respond with donations, CWS will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. For now, we urge you to donate to help the thousands of Venezuela’s most vulnerable citizens whose lives have been affected by these devastating once-in-a-generation earthquakes.

Thank you.

July 2026