Venezuela Earthquake Emergency Appeal
On 24 June 2026, two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela within 39 seconds of each other. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the sequence consisted of a magnitude 7.2 foreshock followed by a magnitude 7.5 mainshock, with epicentres near Morón in Carabobo State, approximately 160–170 km west of Caracas, at depths of around 10–13 km. The shallow nature of the earthquakes significantly increased the intensity of ground shaking across densely populated areas, resulting in extensive structural damage and a continuing series of aftershocks.
The earthquakes have devastated communities across northern Venezuela, causing significant loss of life and injury, widespread destruction of homes and businesses, severe damage to hospitals and critical infrastructure, and the displacement of countless families.
More than a month after the earthquakes, affected communities continue to face urgent humanitarian and early-recovery needs. Families have been displaced, public services remain under pressure, and damaged buildings and large volumes of debris continue to create safety and access challenges. Restoring safe schools, healthcare facilities and community infrastructure will be critical to helping families begin rebuilding their lives.
GER³ deployed an assessment team to Venezuela within days of the disaster. Working alongside local partners, technical specialists and community leaders, our team completed initial assessments in some of the most affected areas, identified critical gaps and operational bottlenecks, and established local arrangements to support the implementation of rapid, community-led recovery activities.
A key area of focus is the safe recovery of damaged schools. GER³ is supporting the technical review and prioritisation of schools reported to have been affected by the earthquakes.
GER³ assessing earthquake damage at Mother Emilia School in Maiquetía, La Guaira, following the 24 June 2026 earthquakes.
Our teams are also assessing opportunities to support community debris removal and management around schools, healthcare facilities and residential neighbourhoods. This includes sharing practical debris-management guidance, coordinating with local engineers and organisations, and identifying targeted projects that can be implemented quickly while contributing to longer-term recovery.
GER³ will continue working with affected communities and local partners to refine these priorities and deliver support where it can have the greatest impact. Our response will remain focused on practical, locally led solutions that make damaged spaces safer, restore access to essential services and help communities move forward.
Your support today will help GER3 respond as needs are identified. Early funding enables emergency teams to mobilise quickly, procure essential relief supplies, and deliver life-saving assistance during the critical first days of a humanitarian emergency.
Please stand with the people of Venezuela by supporting GER3's emergency response.