GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a $98 million appeal to support Venezuela’s earthquake response efforts. The requested funds are intended 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. Additionally, thousands of families remain without secure housing. The appeal emphasizes shelter, healthcare, and early recovery as key priorities in the response plan.
The IOM initiative includes coordination at affected sites, protection services, and assistance for damaged public infrastructure. It also encompasses water supply systems, health clinics, and other vital services. The agency identified La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón as impacted areas. Many communities continue to face destroyed homes and disrupted utilities. Overcrowded collective sites have heightened the demand for shelter and basic necessities. IOM stated that the funds will support both severely affected and underserved communities.
To date, IOM has aided nearly 6,000 individuals in collective sites under its coordination. More than 10,000 services have been provided since the earthquakes, including temporary shelter, healthcare, and protective assistance. Local teams have expanded operations across the impacted states. Coordination among government agencies, local communities, and humanitarian partners is ongoing to ensure aid delivery aligns with verified needs. The agency highlighted that this coordination helps connect emergency relief with early recovery planning.
Appeal Focuses on Shelter and Critical Services During Recovery
The appeal aims to ensure safe and dignified shelter throughout the recovery phase. It includes support for families residing in collective sites or temporary accommodations. IOM also intends to assist in repairing essential services within affected communities. Its activities include shelter management, healthcare, protection, and early recovery efforts. Needs assessments will guide assistance distribution across damaged and underserved areas. The organization explained that its approach combines immediate relief with practical recovery initiatives. Funding will also enhance coordination with public institutions and humanitarian agencies.
The earthquakes on June 24 involved two events with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring roughly 40 seconds apart in northern Venezuela. The tremors caused intense shaking in densely populated zones. Subsequent aftershocks complicated rescue operations and damage evaluations. Extensive damage affected homes, hospitals, roads, and water systems. Several states experienced major disruptions to public services and transport links. Many residents had to seek refuge in shelters or other temporary housing facilities.
Widespread Humanitarian Needs Persist in the Affected Regions
Humanitarian assessments have identified critical needs among children and families. An earlier estimate indicated that 1.8 million individuals require humanitarian aid, including approximately 680,000 children. Priority needs include access to safe water, sanitation, medical services, shelter, and protection. The IOM appeal allocates dedicated funds for displacement management and site operations. It also supports recovery activities related to damaged infrastructure and community services. These activities are structured around the agency’s 12-month response framework.
IOM Venezuela head Lia Poggio emphasized that recovery efforts will demand ongoing support. She highlighted the importance of providing shelter and restoring essential services for affected families. The organization plans to collaborate closely with government agencies and local partners. Its appeal outlines a comprehensive year-long plan for emergency aid and recovery. The $98 million request will fund programs related to shelter, healthcare, protection, and coordination, as well as early recovery efforts in the most impacted and underserved areas. IOM reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing verified needs across all affected communities.