26 June 2026 – Two powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela late on Wednesday, 25 June, causing widespread destruction and leaving thousands in urgent need of assistance.

JRS has been accompanying communities in Venezuela for decades. JRS Venezuela teams report that countless people are facing uncertainty and loss, with communities struggling to recover from the shock of this life-altering disaster. 

The tremors were most strongly felt in the Caracas Capital District and across the states of Miranda, Carabobo, Yaracuy and La Guaira, where entire communities have been shaken. Homes, schools, healthcare facilities and critical infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed.

Initial reports indicate that more than 4,000 people have been injured and over 200 have lost their lives. These figures, however, are expected to rise as assessments continue and more information becomes available.

In response, the Government has declared a state of emergency, as search and rescue operations continue, and authorities work to assess the full scale of the damage.

The earthquakes have deepened an already fragile situation, particularly for the most vulnerable, including refugees, returnees and other at-risk communities, further exacerbating existing protection risks.

How are we responding?

Together with our partner organisations on the ground we are conducting rapid assessments in the affected areas to identify the most urgent humanitarian needs and ensure assistance reaches those most at risk. Our partners are providing emergency support, including temporary shelter, essential relief items, protection services, and psychosocial support for individuals and families affected by the earthquake.

Your donation enables us to respond quickly to this emergency and support the communities affected.