On June 24, 2026, two powerful earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela less than a minute apart, causing widespread devastation near the capital of Caracas. The earthquakes damaged homes, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure, leaving thousands of families in urgent need of assistance.
World Vision responded immediately, working alongside more than 2,000 local church partners to provide lifesaving assistance to nearly 45,000 people affected by the disaster.
Venezuela earthquakes: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
- Fast Facts: 2026 Venezuela earthquakes
- Where did the earthquakes occur?
- How severe is the damage?
- How many people have died in the Venezuela earthquakes?
- What are the most urgent needs?
- How is World Vision responding?
- How long has World Vision been serving in Venezuela?
- How can I help people impacted by the Venezuela earthquakes?
Fast Facts: 2026 Venezuela earthquakes
- Twin earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, just 39 seconds apart.
- The earthquakes measured approximately 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
- The earthquakes are among the strongest to strike Venezuela in more than a century.
- The epicenters were near Morón on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, about 100 miles west of Caracas, the capital.
- More than 430 aftershocks have been recorded.
- Strong shaking caused buildings to collapse in Caracas and other communities, trapping people beneath rubble.
- At least 3,535 people have died, and thousands have been injured.
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Where did the earthquakes occur?
The earthquakes were centered near the coastal city of Morón, west of the capital city of Caracas. Residents felt strong shaking across the capital and several neighboring states. Severe damage has been reported in Caracas, La Guaira, and other nearby communities.
How severe is the damage?
Emergency assessments continue as the scale of the destruction is significant. Venezuelan authorities’ reports describe hundreds of collapsed buildings, dozens of damaged hospitals, transportation disruptions, and impacts to critical infrastructure. Rescue teams are searching for people trapped in debris while authorities continue to assess the full extent of the destruction.
Thousands of families have been displaced, and emergency responders continue searching damaged buildings for survivors. Hundreds of aftershocks have been recorded, complicating efforts to reach people trapped in debris.
“We are deeply shaken and frightened,” said María Andreína Pernalete, a resident of Caracas and communications manager for World Vision in Venezuela. “I was with my 2-year-old baby, my mother, and my husband. I received an alert just a few seconds before everything started shaking, and we gathered under a column.”
She described damage to her building and said her family was unable to return home due to safety concerns.
“We had to move to a nearby convent where we are staying now, because of the damage our building suffered — we can’t go back,” she said. “We are very shaken by what happened. We hope the number of affected people is minimal; we are praying for the families who are suffering.”
How many people have died in the Venezuela earthquakes?
The death toll continues to rise following the devastation, with at least 3,535 fatalities reported. More than 16,740 people have been injured, and thousands remain missing. Emergency responders and civil protection authorities are actively inspecting damaged structures, conducting rescue operations, and assessing the impact on affected communities.
What are the most urgent needs?
Families affected by the earthquakes urgently need:
- Emergency shelter
- Safe drinking water
- Food assistance
- Medical care
- Hygiene supplies
- Child protection and psychosocial support
- Temporary learning spaces for children
As emergency operations continue, needs are expected to evolve from immediate relief to longer-term recovery.
How is World Vision responding?
World Vision responded immediately alongside a network of more than 2,000 local church partners through our Hope Without Borders program to reach children and families affected by the devastating earthquakes. World Vision has reached 45,000 people across La Guaira, Caracas, and Miranda with emergency food aid, hygiene and water kits, recreational kits, child protection activities, and other essential items.
Teams continue to provide emergency food, clean water, safe sanitation, psychological first aid, and child protection services.
World Vision’s emergency response teams have also established Child-Friendly Spaces in affected communities in Caracas. These safe spaces offer structured play, psychosocial support, and caring adult supervision to help children recover from trauma and reduce their risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse.
“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.”
World Vision U.S. has deployed additional relief supplies. Current shipments from our U.S. storehouses include two truckloads of emergency supplies, including hygiene kits, tarps, generators, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other essential items. Additional shipments are planned in the coming weeks as humanitarian needs continue to evolve.
“Solidarity is making a real difference in Venezuela. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, churches, and partners, we are reaching thousands of people affected by this disaster,” said Peter Gape, World Vision’s national director for Colombia and Venezuela. “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.”
How long has World Vision been serving in Venezuela?
World Vision has been serving vulnerable children and families in Venezuela and supporting Venezuelans who have fled to neighboring countries since 2019. Working alongside local churches, trained volunteers, and community partners, World Vision has delivered more than 2.65 million services to children and families affected by displacement and crisis.
How can I help people impacted by the Venezuela earthquakes?
- Pray: Join us in praying for the people of Venezuela:
- Protection: For children and families sleeping outdoors or in unsafe conditions, that God would protect them from harm and create places of safety.
- Rescue: That survivors still trapped beneath the collapsed buildings are found quickly and brought to safety.
- Provision: That families who have lost loved ones, their homes, and livelihoods would be able to immediately access shelter, food, clean water, and the support they urgently need.
Give: Your gift today helps provide emergency assistance to children and families impacted by disasters in Venezuela and around the world.
