Venezuela: IRC launches emergency response in wake of devastating twin earthquakes

Thousands of people face urgent humanitarian needs following powerful twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale

Caracas, Venezuela, June 26, 2026 — Two powerful earthquakes have killed at least 164 people and injured nearly 1,000 across Venezuela, leaving thousands more in urgent need of emergency assistance. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is mobilizing an initial emergency response to reach those in need, including the distribution of essential relief items and emergency medical supplies to frontline workers in the most affected areas. As the situation develops, the IRC will assess further needs across affected communities.

The earthquakes have compounded an already severe humanitarian situation in Venezuela, where years of economic collapse and displacement have left communities with little capacity to absorb a disaster of this scale. Many families impacted by the earthquakes were already struggling to meet their most basic needs. With national services under significant strain, essential rescue and recovery efforts may take weeks if not months.

Venezuela was already facing a protracted humanitarian crisis before these earthquakes struck with nearly 8 million people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and millions of people living in poverty with limited access to basic services.

The IRC has been working in Venezuela since 2021, providing health, protection, and emergency support to vulnerable populations. Our teams work with local partners to address urgent health, nutrition, protection, education, food security, and livelihood needs for Venezuelans inside Venezuela and across the border in Colombia.

All the raised donations will be matched to full extent by the LSEG Foundation.