When disaster strikes, it often hits the most vulnerable communities the hardest. That’s exactly what’s happening right now in Venezuela, where two powerful earthquakes have caused widespread devastation, leaving families displaced, infrastructure damaged and thousands in urgent need of support.
Caritas Australia has responded quickly by launching a Venezuela earthquake appeal, calling on Australians to step up and help those affected rebuild their lives.
Here is what’s happening, why it matters and how you can make a meaningful difference.
A nation shaken by disaster
On 24 June 2026, Venezuela was struck by two major earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, impacting the nation's central and northern regions, including Caracas and La Guaira.
The human toll has been devastating and is still rising. Confirmed numbers so far:
188 lives lost.
Over 1,500 people injured.
Around 150 people still missing.
Entire communities have been disrupted. Homes have collapsed, essential infrastructure has been damaged and thousands of families are now displaced. With more than 30 aftershocks recorded, many people are too afraid to return home.
A national state of emergency has been declared as the Venezuelan government works to assess the scale of destruction and coordinate response efforts.
Compounding an already fragile situation
The earthquakes come at a time when Venezuela is already facing significant humanitarian challenges. Earlier reports indicated that 7.9 million people were in need of humanitarian assistance due to ongoing political and economic instability, as well as climate-related disasters such as flooding and landslides.
This means the earthquake has not just caused a new crisis, it has intensified an existing one. Communities that were already struggling now face even greater uncertainty, making international support critical.
Immediate needs on the ground
Right now, the priority is survival. Many families are sleeping outdoors because damaged buildings and ongoing tremors make it unsafe to return home. Churches and community centres have become temporary shelters, offering refuge to those with nowhere else to go.
The most urgent needs include:
Safe shelter.
Food and clean drinking water.
Emergency medical care.
Essential supplies such as clothing and hygiene items.
Caritas Venezuela, part of the global Caritas network, is already on the ground coordinating relief. Teams are assessing needs, distributing essential items, and setting up collection points for food, water and medicines.
How Caritas Australia's appeal helps
The Caritas Australia Venezuela Earthquake Appeal is designed to deliver immediate and ongoing support to affected communities.
Funds will help:
Deliver emergency supplies.
Support shelter and recovery efforts.
Assist local response teams working directly with communities.
Looking ahead: Recovery will take time
While the emergency response is critical, rebuilding communities will take months, if not years. Infrastructure needs to be repaired, homes rebuilt and livelihoods restored.
The journey ahead is long, but with continued support, there is hope. Organisations like Caritas are working alongside local communities to ensure recovery is sustainable and community-led.
Be Part of the Response
The Venezuela earthquake has left a deep mark, but together, we can help affected communities recover and rebuild stronger.
By supporting the Caritas Australia appeal, you are not just donating, you are standing in solidarity with people facing one of the toughest moments of their lives.
Now is the time to act.
DONATE NOW
