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

Caracas, Venezuela, June 25, 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.

"What we are seeing is catastrophic," said Nicole Kast, IRC Venezuela Country Director. "People have lost everything in a matter of seconds, and the need for immediate support is overwhelming. In some of the hardest-hit areas, damaged infrastructure and limited civil response capacity mean people may be trapped and unable to reach safety or be reached by those trying to help. We are working to get supplies to frontline workers as fast as possible so that lives can be saved."

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.