GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has issued a $98 million appeal to respond to the earthquake in Venezuela. The requested funds will cover 12 months of emergency aid and early recovery activities. 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. Many families also faced the lack of safe housing. The appeal emphasizes shelter, health services, and early recovery as the core components of the response.
The IOM plan includes coordination at sites, protection services, and support for compromised public infrastructure. It also addresses water supply systems, health clinics, and other vital services. The agency identified areas such as La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón as affected. Numerous communities still contend with damaged homes and disrupted utilities. Overcrowded collective centers have increased the demand for shelter and basic necessities. IOM stated that the funding would assist both heavily impacted and underserved locations.
So far, 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 housing, healthcare, and protection support. Local teams have expanded their operations across the affected states. The response is coordinated among government agencies, local communities, and humanitarian partners. The agency explained that this structure helps ensure aid matches verified needs. The response strategy integrates emergency support with early recovery planning.
Earthquake Relief Focuses on Shelter and Critical Services
The appeal aims to deliver safe, dignified shelter during the recovery process. It encompasses assistance for families residing in collective centers or temporary accommodations. IOM also intends to help repair essential services in affected areas. Its activities include managing shelters, providing health support, protection, and facilitating early recovery efforts. Teams will assess needs and direct aid to damaged and underserved zones. The organization highlighted that the approach combines immediate relief with practical recovery initiatives. The funding will further improve coordination with public institutions and humanitarian organizations.
The earthquakes on June 24 involved two tremors, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, occurring about 40 seconds apart in northern Venezuela. These quakes caused intense shaking across densely populated regions. Aftershocks complicated rescue operations and damage assessments. Homes, hospitals, roads, and water networks suffered extensive destruction. Several states reported significant disruptions to public services and transport links. Many residents had to seek shelter or move into temporary housing due to the damage.
Widespread Humanitarian Challenges Persist in Affected Areas
Humanitarian assessments have reported significant needs among children and families. An earlier estimate indicated that 1.8 million people required humanitarian aid, including around 680,000 children. Critical needs include access to safe water, sanitation, medical care, shelter, and protection. The IOM appeal allocates dedicated funds for displacement management and site operations. It also supports recovery efforts related to damaged services and community infrastructure. These activities are organized within the framework of a 12-month response plan.
Lia Poggio, IOM Venezuela chief, emphasized that recovery will demand ongoing support. She stated that families need accommodation and assistance in restoring essential services. The organization intends to collaborate with government agencies and local partners. The appeal outlines a year-long plan for emergency assistance and recovery. The $98 million request will fund shelter, health, protection, and coordination initiatives, as well as early recovery actions in the most affected and underserved regions. IOM affirmed that prioritizing verified community needs will remain central to its response efforts.