On 24 June, two powerful earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela within minutes of each other, with epicentres reported near Morón, Carabobo State. National authorities have declared a state of emergency.

There has been widespread destruction to homes and businesses, with reports of buildings collapsing in parts of Caracas. Critical infrastructure has also suffered, with damage to airports, hospitals and other public services. This damage has  cut off communications and power in some areas, isolating  the affected communities.

While the situation in Venezuela following the earthquake is still developing, the humanitarian needs are serious and urgent.

How to help people in Venezuela?

The best and quickest way to help support those affected by the Venezuela earthquake and emergencies around the world is by donating to our Disaster Fund. We are already supporting the response to the earthquake in Venezuela via the Disaster Fund and are working with Red Cross emergency teams on the ground in Venezuela to determine what further support is required and how we can help.

In any emergency, every second counts and your donations to the Disaster Fund allow us to act fast to provide critical aid and relief.

Donations to our Disaster Fund are used wherever and whenever they are needed most. This flexible approach allows us to prepare before a crisis hits, and to act quickly when disaster strikes. Your fundraising will help us support people affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela, as well as other disasters around the world.

How is the Red Cross responding? 

Teams from the Venezuelan Red Cross Society (VRCS) were mobilised within hours of the earthquakes hitting. Their efforts so far have included: 

Emergency medical response: getting ambulances into the Capital District to help treat those in need of urgent medical care and to transport injured people to hospital.

Search and rescue: specialist teams are supporting rescue efforts in areas where buildings and infrastructure have totally collapsed. Their focus is on saving as many lives as possible in these critical early stages. 

Preparing shelter facilities: making sure people whose homes are no longer safe to stay in have somewhere they can rest, with access to essential items, advice and emotional support.

Ongoing crisis assessment: working with local authorities and colleagues of the International Federation of the Red Cross, VRCS will continue to assess the growing humanitarian needs, so that they can get support to those that need it, fast. 

Please note:

Your donation will be used to help people in crisis across the world.