Venezuela — humanitarian situation

On 24 June, two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela less than one minute apart, affecting at least seven states including Caracas and La Guaira. Official figures confirm 6,301 fatalities, 6,462 people rescued, and 73,356 people receiving hospital care following the quakes IMC. Nearly two months after the disaster, response operations are transitioning from emergency relief to recovery. AMDA concluded medical relief activities in Caraballeda, one of the hardest-hit locations in La Guaira, on 15 August, noting gradual signs of daily life returning AMDA. IOM is supporting the transition of food services in César Nieves ahead of WFP's planned departure on 31 August, with authorities establishing return criteria for families accommodated in temporary facilities IOM. Priority needs include healthcare services, clean water, food, mental health and psychosocial support, adequate sanitation, and hygiene IMC. The Health Cluster mapped services from 20 organizations operating through 34 points of care across 15 service areas as of 24 August (Health Cluster, PAHO). IOM has distributed substantial relief supplies to affected families, including 9,260 plastic tarpaulins, 6,116 collapsible jerrycans, 5,887 kitchen sets, 4,788 shelter tool kits, and 3,612 personal hygiene kits as of 20 August IOM. Beyond the earthquake response, Venezuela continues to generate significant regional displacement. Colombia hosts the largest Venezuelan refugee population globally at 2.8 million, while Peru remains the second destination country with over 1.64 million Venezuelans, including 556,791 asylum-seekers and 6,818 recognized refugees as of December 2025 UNHCR. Funding pressures are affecting protection capacities across operations, with child protection programming particularly impacted by recent budget reductions (Protection Cluster, UNHCR).