Earthquakes in Venezuela

Two powerful 7.2–7.5 magnitude earthquakes hit Venezuela in the province of Yaracuy on 24 June. This is the most powerful earthquake sequence to strike the country in over 125 years. A state of emergency has been declared, and the international aid effort is underway.

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near San Felipe, the capital of the state of Yaracuy. Just 39 seconds later a magnitude 7.5 tremor struck near the town of Yumare, within 5 to 10km from the first one. The US Geological Survey (USGS) refer to this as a “doublet”.

As of 12 July, at least 4,400 people have been killed and more than 16,700 injured, with that number continuing to rise. Many thousands have been left homeless or too afraid to stay in damaged buildings. UN officials have warned that the number killed could rise to as high as 10,000.

At least seven states have been affected. La Guaira is the most heavily impacted area, with many families living in temporary shelters such as schools, churches and stadiums. According to projections from the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS), more than 9.7 million people are estimated to have been impacted by the earthquakes.

More than 1,200 aftershocks have since been felt across Venezuela, including in Caracas and La Guaira. These continuing tremors are creating additional fear and uncertainty, making many people scared to return to their homes.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Initial reports show significant damage to buildings, businesses and key infrastructure, including airports, as well as power outages.

Tens of thousands of people are likely to require emergency shelter and essential items, with potential longer-term shelter and recovery support.

According to the UN, over 25% of the population already needed some form of humanitarian assistance before the earthquake, with 7.9 million people in need across the country (OCHA).

The Venezuelan Government continues to prioritize search and rescue efforts and is establishing temporary accommodation for affected families. Over 87 transitional camps have been established, including 39 in Caracas, but with tens of thousands of people needing shelter, much more support is likely to be required.

Experts have also warned of a growing health crisis as people shelter in overcrowded temporary accommodation or sleep outside without reliable access to clean water.

ShelterBox is responding in Venezuela. We have a team in-country visiting affected communities and assessing the damage. By speaking directly with people who have lost their homes, we are building a clearer picture of the support needed. Despite the unprecedented scale of the disaster and a challenging operating environment, we are working hard to reach those most affected.

We are in the process of moving aid from warehouses in Barbados and Panama to Venezuela by sea and air. Items include tents, shelter kits and essential household items, including mosquito nets, blankets, sleeping mats, solar lights and kitchen sets. Aid is expected to arrive in-country within two weeks.

Finding safe locations for shelter support presents a challenge. In La Guaira, for example, communities are concentrated along a narrow coastal strip between the sea and the mountains, limiting the availability of suitable sites away from damaged and unstable buildings.

Our team is working alongside local contacts from Rotary in Venezuela, Cadena and other humanitarian organizations. Early reports indicate significant demand for emergency shelter and essential household items.

Rotary in Venezuela is providing vital expertise and support, including local logistics insights, support with navigating complex customs processes, accommodation and transportation for the ShelterBox team, warehouse identification and securing, and help with damage and needs assessments.

In recent months, ShelterBox has strengthened preparedness and partnerships across the region, helping us mobilize quickly when disaster struck. As assessments continue, we will adapt our response to meet the priorities identified by affected communities.

With over a quarter of the population already in need of some form of humanitarian assistance before the earthquake, what we’re seeing is a crisis on top of a crisis. The already fragile socio-economic conditions mean we are very concerned about people’s ability to recover.

– Alice Jefferson, ShelterBox Head of Emergency Responses.