Venezuela Earthquake
Two powerful earthquakes have struck Venezuela. Communities are shaken, homes destroyed, and families devastated.
Caritas teams assess earthquake damage. Photo: Caritas Venezuela
The current situation in Venezuela
On the evening of 24 June 2026, two major earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, struck northern Venezuela within minutes of each other.
The impact was felt across the capital, Caracas, and throughout central and coastal regions. Buildings, homes and infrastructure have collapsed and been severely damaged, and there has been widespread disruption to essential services.
Rescue efforts are slow, hampered by damaged infrastructure and limited resources. More than 3,300 people are confirmed dead, with tens of thousands still missing.
Thousands of families continue to sleep in parks, plazas and open spaces due to visible cracks in their homes and buildings, and fear of collapse triggered by ongoing aftershocks, with more than 600 recorded so far. Many homes remain unsafe, and displacement is expected to continue for months as damage assessments are ongoing.
This is an active emergency. This page will be updated as we receive more information. Donate now
Donate nowWhat has been the impact?
More than 3,300 people
have been killed.
More than 16,000 people
have been injured.
More than 17,000
people have been made homeless.
Over 58,000 buidings
have been damaged or destroyed, according to NASA estimates.
Collapsed and damaged buildings in Venezuela. Photo: Caritas Venezuela
What people in Venezuela need right now
This disaster comes at a time when millions of people in Venezuela were already struggling to survive.
Even before the earthquakes, around 7.9 million people needed humanitarian assistance. Many families were facing food shortages, limited access to healthcare, and unreliable basic services.
Now, the situation has become far more urgent.
People who were already vulnerable, including children, older people, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses, are at even greater risk.
The most urgent needs include:
Search and rescue efforts to reach people trapped or injured
Safe shelter for families who have lost their homes or are afraid to return
Medical care for the injured, and support for overstretched hospitals
Food assistance as supply chains are disrupted and prices rise
Clean water and sanitation where infrastructure has been damaged
Mental health support to help people cope with trauma, fear and loss
Emergency shelter materials, including tents and safe spaces, as displacement is expected to continue for months
Search and rescue efforts following the Venezuela earthquakes. Photo: Caritas Venezuela
Your generosity can help ensure that families are not facing this crisis alone. Donate now
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Many buildings have entirely collapsed following the earthquakes. Photo: Caritas Venezuela
Caritas is already responding
Caritas Venezuela is operating 24 hours a day to support communities affected by the earthquakes. Through its nationwide network, Caritas has:
Mobilised approximately 30,000 volunteers across the country
Deployed teams directly into affected communities
Begun distributing safe water, hygiene kits and emergency food supplies
Activated a central collection hub supported by a network of dioceses and parishes to receive and distribute aid
With a presence in communities across the country, including remote and hard-to-reach areas, this network can quickly identify needs and get help to where it’s most needed.
Donate now to support people affected by the Venezuela earthquake. Donate now
Donate nowHow can you help communities in Venezuela?
Right now, families are facing uncertainty, fear, and loss.
But with your donations, we can provide emergency shelter, food, clean water, and care to those most affected.
You can also fundraise for Venezuela by visiting The Compassion Hub below.
Caritas teams survey damage in Venezuela. Photo: Caritas Venezuela
FAQ
Your donation will be used to deliver support to vulnerable communities with emergency shelter, health and medical support, and access to clean water and food as a priority.
Choose an Australian charity that is working in Venezuela or has direct partnerships with organisations that are working in Venezuela that aligns with your values. To ensure your donation is going to be used effectively, check their website to see what percentage of funding goes to programs. Reputable charities will have this information readily available.
You can help people affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela by donating to a charity that is working in Venezuela or has direct partnerships with organisations that are working in Venezuela that aligns with your values. Your voice has power. Share information about the Venezuela earthquakes and how to help via your social media and personal networks. You can also contact your local MP to request them to send further support to Venezuela.
No, our partners on the ground are best placed to decide where funds are directed based on their expertise and first-hand experience of the priority needs of the population, and the current context and access situation.
Caritas has been present in Venezuela for many years and has deep experience and knowledge of communities, logistics and contexts, ensuring donations get where they are needed in a politically-neutral manner. We are DFAT accredited and ACFID signatories, ensuring that we have responsible governance of funds at the highest level.
Yes. All donations over $2 are tax-deductible for Australia.
No, we do not accept donations of goods. Goods can cause logistical issues and block the arrival of much needed aid. Donations of money allow us to ensure that what is arriving is what the population needs, while supporting the local economy.
Yes, we provide aid to those who need it most, regardless of background, religion, gender or sexuality. We prioritise the most vulnerable community members including children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.
Caritas teams inspecting damage in Venezuela. Photo: Caritas Venezuela
Where does my donation go?
The funds you donate to this appeal go to Caritas Australia’s Emergency Response Fund and will be used to provide humanitarian assistance to communities affected by this crisis. Should circumstances prevent us from delivering aid to this emergency, or if excess funds remain after the crisis, donations will be directed to other emergencies where Caritas has humanitarian operations.
