World Vision U.S. President Visits Venezuela as Earthquake Response Reaches Nearly 45,000 People

CARACAS, Venezuela (July 8, 2026) — As humanitarian needs continue to grow following the devastating June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela, World Vision U.S. President and CEO Edgar Sandoval Sr., who was raised in Venezuela from ages 6 to 17, is traveling to the most affected areas. There, he has been talking to families and children who were impacted and seeing the organization’s earthquake response. Sandoval’s visit will provide firsthand insight into the growing needs of affected communities while highlighting the resilience of local churches and humanitarian partners responding on the ground.

“Over the last few days, I’ve met families who lost everything in a matter of moments—their homes, their livelihoods, and, for some, even loved ones,” said Edgar Sandoval Sr., president and CEO of World Vision. “I’ve listened to children describe fear and loss no child should ever experience. Their pain is deeply personal to me as Venezuela is where I spent much of my childhood.”

According to the latest official reports, the earthquakes have resulted in more than 3,680 fatalities and approximately 17,000 injuries. Widespread damage to homes, hospitals, schools, roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure—including more than 17,000 people now homeless—continues to disrupt daily life across the hardest-hit areas. Humanitarian needs are widespread and urgent, with a projected 1.3 million people in Venezuela needing aid.

As the immediate humanitarian response continues and long-term recovery efforts begin, thousands of children and families remain displaced and vulnerable due to widespread structural damage and continued aftershocks. Since the onset of the emergency response, World Vision has reached nearly 45,000 people with emergency relief, child protection activities, and other essential relief items designed to protect health, well-being, and food security. Response efforts are focused on meeting immediate basic needs such as food, water, shelter, and child protection.

Recognizing that children face heightened risks during emergencies, World Vision has placed child protection at the center of its response. In response to field assessments identifying psychological first aid as a critical need, World Vision has supported more than 340 children and adolescents through temporary Child-Friendly Spaces that provide safe environments, emotional support, and opportunities for play and recovery.

World Vision has worked in Venezuela since 2019. Through staff and a network of more than 2,000 church-based pastors, partners, and volunteers, World Vision has been able to deliver emergency relief and child protection support within hours of the earthquakes. That local presence, pre-positioned supplies, and the church and pastor network allow the organization to scale the response and reach children quickly.

“Solidarity is making a real difference in Venezuela. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, churches, and partners, we are reaching tens of thousands of people affected by this disaster,” said World Vision’s National Director for Colombia & Venezuela, Peter Gape. “However, the scale of this emergency requires sustained support. We remain committed to ensuring that every child and every family can find protection, hope, and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity.”

Sandoval’s visit underscores World Vision’s long-term commitment to walk alongside Venezuelan children and families throughout recovery while highlighting the critical role local churches and trusted community partners continue to play in delivering hope, protection, and humanitarian assistance where it is needed most.

“Amid the devastation, I’m also witnessing something powerful: hope. God is here, close to the brokenhearted. And I see Him at work through our World Vision staff, our local partners, and churches across Venezuela as they serve children and families with extraordinary compassion and courage,” Sandoval Sr. explains. “Since the earliest hours of this disaster, World Vision has been delivering food, safe water, hygiene supplies, and support to people in desperate need. We are creating places where children can feel safe again, reminding families that they are not alone.”

To support World Vision’s Venezuela earthquake response, visit: https://donate.worldvision.org/give/venezuela-relief-fund

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X @WorldVisionUSA.