Earthquake in Venezuela: Caritas Switzerland provides emergency aid
Your donation for the people of Venezuela
The severe earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction. Caritas Switzerland, together with its local partner organization, Caritas Venezuela, is providing aid to the affected population.
Venezuela was rocked by a devastating earthquake in late June 2026. The capital, Caracas, and the northern coastal region have been particularly hard hit. The quake claimed the lives of over 6'000 people, left more than 60'000 in need of medical care, and left at least 18'000 people homeless. According to authorities, the total number of damaged or destroyed homes exceeds 41'500.
The disaster has struck a country that has already been suffering severely for years from an ongoing economic crisis, food shortages, and hyperinflation.
«Even before the earthquake, many people were living in extreme poverty, facing food insecurity and lacking reliable access to healthcare. This devastating earthquake is now exacerbating the hardship.»Rafael filligerProgramme Director Venezuela, Caritas Switzerland
Caritas is supporting the affected civilian population
Together with Caritas Venezuela, we have already been able to implement extensive relief efforts since the earthquake. From June 24 to July 24, Caritas Venezuela:
- Distributed 19'000 metric tons of relief supplies to affected families
- Distributed 99'608 medical supplies and medications through 26 distribution points
- supported 26'000 families with food packages and hygiene kits
In this way, Caritas Venezuela has already reached approximately 92'000 people. More than 40'000 volunteers are carrying out the relief work - over 200 volunteers are on the ground every day. Thank you very much for making this vital aid possible with your donation. ❤️
Following the initial phase of emergency aid, efforts are shifting toward early recovery. In this second phase, Caritas Venezuela is focusing primarily on cash transfers to those affected. It is also providing assistance in the areas of food security, water and sanitation, shelter and protection, health, psychosocial support, and the restoration of livelihoods.
In addition to immediate emergency aid, Caritas Switzerland works with local partner organisations to support displaced people in Venezuela and in neighbouring countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia. Caritas is also committed to long-term poverty reduction.
Questions and answers about Caritas’ work and donations
Caritas Switzerland works closely with local partner organisations that are already active in the affected areas, can respond quickly, and are deeply rooted in the local context. At present, emergency aid is still the priority: people receive drinking water, food, medical supplies and psychosocial support.
Caritas Switzerland has been active in Venezuela since 2019 but does not have its own country office. We have worked closely with Caritas Venezuela for several years and are implementing the current emergency response together.
At the same time, we are exploring partnerships with additional local organisations to reach even more affected people.
Our partners are already on the ground, understand local conditions, and know what assistance is most urgently needed. This ensures that support is provided quickly, effectively and in line with people’s needs.
Your donation enables fast and effective assistance. Funds are transferred continuously to our partner organisations in Venezuela so they can procure urgently needed supplies locally wherever possible. This saves time, reduces transport costs and strengthens the local economy.
Yes. Caritas Switzerland works with trusted partner organisations and is subject to strict internal and external controls. The use of donations is carefully planned, documented and monitored to ensure aid reaches those in need as efficiently as possible.
Five per cent of donations for emergency aid in Venezuela are allocated to our disaster fund, enabling faster responses to future humanitarian crises. If we receive more donations than required for immediate aid, they will be used for poverty reduction in the region.
Thank you very much for your support! If you would like to organise your own fundraising campaign for Caritas Switzerland, please contact our donor service at +41 41 419 24 19 or via spendenservice@caritas.ch, or create your project directly on our fundraising platform.
No. Caritas Switzerland does not accept in-kind donations. Transporting and distributing such goods in disaster areas is often complex and costly. In most cases, essential items can be sourced more quickly and effectively locally, which also supports local markets and the regional economy.
Further information
Header image: Our local partner organization, Caritas Venezuela, has already been able to reach about 70'000 people with its aid. © Caritas Venezuela