Urgent Response After Double Earthquake

On 24 June 2026, Venezuela was struck by two consecutive earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, triggering the most severe seismic emergency recorded in the country in more than six decades. By 6 July, over 3,340 people were killed, more than 16,740 injured and around 17,000 left homeless.

Most affected by the earthquakes was the north-central region, including the states of La Guaira, Distrito Capital, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua and Yaracuy. Hundreds of residential and public buildings suffered partial or total collapse, and critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, transport networks, electricity, water supply and telecommunications systems experienced extensive damage.

Venezuela was already facing one of the most protracted humanitarian crises in Latin America due to the cumulative effects of economic decline, inflation, deterioration of public services, food insecurity, limited access to healthcare and prolonged displacement dynamics. These vulnerabilities have significantly reduced the coping capacities of affected households, while years of underinvestment have weakened national systems' ability to respond to a disaster of this magnitude.

Caritas Switzerland, in partnership with Jesuit Refugee Service Venezuela, proposes a rapid emergency response providing lifesaving assistance, psychosocial support and protection services to the most vulnerable earthquake-affected populations.

The project aims to provide a timely and effective local humanitarian emergency response by meeting urgent needs for essential household items and protection of vulnerable populations affected by the June 2026 earthquakes in Venezuela.

A total of 677 kits is distributed in five temporary shelter facilities, expected to benefit approximately 1,498 earthquake-affected people.

The distribution includes three types of kits:

1. Families who have lost their homes and possessions will receive essential household items, including blankets and sleeping mats, hygiene supplies, and lighting equipment (lamps/torches).
2. Special dignity kits for women and adolescent girls will provide menstrual hygiene materials, personal hygiene items, underwear, towels and information on available protection and support services.
3. Child-focused kits for young children will include diapers and age-appropriate hygiene items.

At the same time, the project will establish psychosocial support and listening spaces in shelters and community locations to provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) for approximately 350 earthquake-affected people in brief individual and group sessions.

Structured socio-emotional support activities will be provided for 200 children and adolescents through games, drawing, storytelling and exercises to promote emotional expression, reduce stress, restore a sense of safety and strengthen their coping skills.

A total of 150 people facing heightened risks will receive legal orientation and referrals to protection services.

Practical self-care sessions focusing on stress management, emotional regulation, peer support and burnout prevention will be given to 20 frontline responders.