The United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM) has estimated that approximately 6.76 million individuals may have been impacted by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24. Among those affected, around two million are residents of Caracas.
This figure, presented by IOM spokesperson Zoe Brennan, includes those who experienced the seismic impact, as well as disruptions to services, infrastructure damage, and potential displacement. On the same day, Delcy Rodríguez announced a new official toll of 589 fatalities and 2,980 injuries, a significant increase from the 188 deaths reported just 24 hours earlier.
Tom Fletcher, the UN's Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, starkly described the disaster's severity: "The situation on the ground is one of truly terrifying devastation."
Fletcher also highlighted that the UN was already providing humanitarian aid to roughly eight million Venezuelans before the earthquakes, greatly increasing the complexity of the emergency response. "The challenge was already enormous. This makes it exponentially more difficult, but our entire focus is on this emergency response," he stated.
The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and occurring just 39 seconds apart, are the most powerful recorded in Venezuela since 1900, according to the United States Geological Survey. The epicenter was identified in the state of Yaracuy, about 170 kilometers west of Caracas. Since then, over 200 aftershocks have been recorded.
Global Response to Venezuela's Earthquake Crisis
The international response has been extensive. According to the UN, 16 countries have sent over a thousand rescue workers to assist on the ground, including Switzerland, the United States, the Netherlands, France, Qatar, the Czech Republic, Germany, Jordan, the United Kingdom, Spain, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Italy, El Salvador, and Mexico.
The United States has allocated $150 million in humanitarian assistance—$100 million for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and $50 million for on-ground organizations—and deployed search and rescue teams from Fairfax and Los Angeles counties. The Trump administration has also mobilized military forces via the Southern Command.
The OCHA has released $15 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund, while the International Red Cross has issued an emergency appeal for 50 million Swiss francs ($61 million).
Spain dispatched an A330 military aircraft carrying 59 personnel from the Military Emergency Unit, canine teams, and rescue staff from the Community of Madrid. India sent two planes with over 35 tons of medical supplies, while Brazil deployed 36 firefighters equipped to set up a field hospital.
In states like La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, Falcón, Zulia, Yaracuy, and Lara, about 20 hospitals have suffered damage. This prompted the Venezuelan government to urgently request three emergency medical teams from the UN with surgical capabilities.
"We are fully mobilized, every hour counts, and we are committed to saving as many lives as possible," emphasized Fletcher, reiterating that finding survivors remains the "number one priority."
FAQs on Venezuela's Earthquake Impact and Response
How many people were affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela?
Approximately 6.76 million people are estimated to have been affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela.
What was the magnitude of the earthquakes that hit Venezuela?
The earthquakes measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, occurring just 39 seconds apart.
Which countries are providing aid to Venezuela?
Countries such as the United States, Spain, India, Brazil, and many others have provided aid to Venezuela.
What actions has the United States taken to assist Venezuela?
The U.S. has allocated $150 million in aid, deployed search and rescue teams, and mobilized military support through the Southern Command.