GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued an appeal for $98 million to address the aftermath of the earthquake in Venezuela. The requested funds will support 12 months of emergency aid and early recovery initiatives. This appeal follows the earthquakes that struck northern and central Venezuela on June 24, causing widespread destruction. As of July 16, authorities reported 4,930 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Numerous families are still without secure housing, and the response prioritizes shelter, health services, and early recovery efforts.
The IOM strategy encompasses site management, protection activities, and aid for damaged public infrastructure. It also includes water supply systems, healthcare facilities, and other critical services. The affected regions identified by the agency include La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Many communities continue to grapple with destroyed homes and disrupted utilities. Overcrowded collective centers have heightened the need for shelter and basic necessities. The organization emphasized that the funding will aid both the most severely impacted and underserved areas.
To date, IOM has supported nearly 6,000 individuals in collective sites through its coordination efforts. It has provided more than 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary housing, medical care, and protection support. Local teams have expanded their operations across the affected states, with government agencies, local communities, and humanitarian partners working together to coordinate aid efforts. The agency highlighted that this collaborative framework helps ensure aid matches actual needs and links emergency response with early recovery planning.
Earthquake Relief Focuses on Shelter and Core Services
The appeal aims to guarantee safe and dignified shelter throughout the recovery phase. It includes support for families residing in collective centers or temporary accommodations. Additionally, IOM intends to assist in restoring essential services within affected communities. Activities planned include shelter management, healthcare, protection, and early recovery initiatives. Teams will evaluate needs and allocate assistance to damaged and underserved areas. The approach combines immediate relief efforts with practical recovery actions. Funding will also enhance coordination with government agencies and humanitarian partners.
The earthquakes on June 24 involved two tremors with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart in northern Venezuela. The seismic events caused intense shaking across densely populated zones. Aftershocks further strained rescue teams and complicated damage assessments. Infrastructure including homes, hospitals, roads, and water networks suffered extensive harm. Several states experienced significant disruptions to public services and transport links. As a result, many residents have been forced into shelters or other temporary accommodations.
Persistent Humanitarian Needs Across the Affected Regions
Humanitarian assessments reveal significant needs among children and families. An earlier estimate indicated that 1.8 million individuals require aid, including about 680,000 children. Critical priorities include access to safe water, sanitation, medical services, shelter, and protection. The IOM appeal allocates specific funding for displacement management and site operations, as well as recovery efforts related to damaged infrastructure and community services. These activities are structured around the agency’s 12-month response plan.
IOM Venezuela head Lia Poggio emphasized that recovery will demand ongoing support. She stated that families need suitable housing and assistance in restoring vital services. The organization plans to collaborate with government agencies and local organizations. Its appeal outlines a year-long strategy for emergency aid and recovery efforts. The $98 million sought will fund shelter, healthcare, protection, and coordination programs, including early recovery measures in the hardest-hit and most underserved areas. IOM reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing verified community needs throughout the response.