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 has been felt across the capital, Caracas, and throughout central and coastal regions. Early reports confirm collapsed buildings, damaged homes, and widespread disruption to essential services.

In some of the worst-affected areas, including Altamira and Los Palos Grandes, entire buildings have come down. At the country’s main international airport in Maiquetía, part of the terminal roof has detached, forcing a temporary shutdown of operations.

For many families, the safest place tonight is outside, sleeping in the streets or gathering in open spaces, fearful of aftershocks.

What do 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.

In the hours and days ahead, 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

Caritas is already responding

Local Church parishes are among the first places people are turning to for help.

Across affected areas, parishes have opened their doors to shelter displaced families and are distributing emergency supplies where they can. This immediate, community-led response is already making a difference.

Caritas Venezuela, part of one of the country’s most trusted humanitarian networks, is working alongside partners to assess needs and prepare a broader response.

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.

Teams on the ground are currently:

• Checking the safety of staff and volunteers

• Gathering information on the scale of damage and need

• Preparing to deliver life-saving support

Your support matters now

Right now, families are facing uncertainty, fear, and loss.

But with your help, we can provide emergency shelter, food, clean water, and care to those most affected.

Every donation will support Caritas partners on the ground to respond quickly and reach people in urgent need.