Responding to the
Venezuela Earthquakes
On June 24, two devastating earthquakes struck off the coast of Venezuela in rapid succession, causing numerous casualties as well as severe damage to buildings, utilities, roads and communications systems.
The back-to-back quakes collapsed buildings and have displaced hundreds of thousands of people. A 7.2-magnitude tremblor was followed less than a minute later by a 7.5 magnitude quake—the strongest to hit the country since 1900. Both quakes were felt in countries across the region. Though the death toll and the extent of the damage are yet not fully known, the country has declared a state of emergency and called for international aid.
International Medical Corps, which has worked in Venezuela since 2019, immediately deployed members of its in-country team to the affected region to assess needs, working in close collaboration with local officials and emergency responders. We will leverage our experience providing health services and training in Venezuela to provide rapid assistance to people affected by these devastating quakes.
Our Response to the Earthquakes in Venezuela
International Medical Corps has worked in Venezuela since 2019, delivering health, nutrition, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), food security and livelihoods, child protection, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs.
We have so far reached more than 3.7 million people in 10 states, supported more than 120 health centres, and distributed medications, medical supplies and equipment valued at nearly $2 million.
The long-term effects of these earthquakes are likely to be severe. In addition to loss of life and a high injury toll, local infrastructure has been devastated in a country already suffering from high rates of poverty and a weak healthcare system. We will continue to work closely with government agencies and local partners to assess needs, provide medical care and supplies, distribute hygiene and wound kits, and procure other materials as needed.
Your support is urgently needed to continue our response and ensure access to essential services for affected families. We will report more on our response activities as the situation develops. Please check this page frequently for updates.