GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a $98 million appeal to support the earthquake response in Venezuela. The requested funds aim to cover 12 months of emergency relief and early recovery efforts. This appeal follows the earthquakes on June 24 that caused destruction in northern and central regions of the country. As of July 16, authorities reported 4,930 fatalities and 16,740 injuries. Additionally, thousands of families lacked access to secure housing. The appeal emphasizes shelter, healthcare, and early recovery as the main focus of the response.
The IOM initiative encompasses site management, protection services, and support for damaged public infrastructure. It also includes repairs to water systems, health facilities, and other vital services. The agency identified La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón as among the affected areas. Many communities still face destroyed homes and disrupted utilities. Overcrowded collective centers have increased the demand for shelter and basic services. IOM indicated that the funding would assist both heavily impacted and underserved regions.
To date, IOM has supported nearly 6,000 individuals in collective sites through its coordination efforts. It has provided more than 10,000 services since the earthquakes, including temporary shelter, healthcare, and protection support. Local teams have expanded their operations across the impacted states. Coordination efforts involve government authorities, local communities, and humanitarian partners, ensuring aid aligns with verified needs. The response strategy also integrates emergency relief with early recovery planning.
Earthquake Relief Focuses on Shelter and Core Services
The appeal aims to deliver safe and respectful shelter throughout the recovery phase. It also supports families residing in collective centers or temporary accommodations. Additionally, IOM plans to restore essential services in affected areas. Activities include shelter management, health assistance, protection, and early recovery initiatives. Teams will evaluate needs and direct resources to damaged and underserved locations. The organization emphasizes combining immediate relief with sustainable recovery efforts. The funding will also enhance coordination with public agencies and humanitarian partners.
The earthquakes on June 24 involved two seismic events with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, occurring approximately 40 seconds apart in northern Venezuela. These tremors caused intense shaking in densely populated zones. Aftershocks further complicated rescue operations and damage assessments. Homes, hospitals, roads, and water infrastructure experienced extensive destruction. Several states reported significant disruptions to public services and transport links. Many residents were forced into shelters or temporary housing due to the damage.
Widespread Humanitarian Needs Persist Across the Affected Regions
Humanitarian assessments have identified critical needs among children and families. An earlier estimate indicated that 1.8 million people required humanitarian aid, including roughly 680,000 children. Priority needs include access to safe water, sanitation, medical treatment, shelter, and protection. The IOM appeal allocates dedicated funding for displacement management and site operations. It also promotes recovery activities related to damaged services and community infrastructure. These initiatives are organized within the agency’s 12-month response framework.
IOM Venezuela Director Lia Poggio emphasized that recovery efforts will need ongoing support. She highlighted the importance of providing housing and restoring essential services for affected families. The organization plans to collaborate with government agencies and local partners. Its appeal outlines a year-long strategy for emergency aid and recovery. The $98 million request will finance programs focused on shelter, healthcare, protection, and coordination. It will also fund early recovery efforts in the most impacted and underserved areas. IOM reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing verified needs throughout the affected communities.