On 24 June 2026, Venezuela was struck by two major earthquakes: a 7.2-magnitude earthquake followed by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake one minute later. Preliminary reports indicate that at least 1,400 deaths and more than 3,300 injuries have been confirmed as of 28 June, with thousands still missing.
There are fears that the toll will continue to rise since the principal urban corridor in and around Caracas was badly affected, which creates a complex urban emergency marked by high population density, damaged critical infrastructure, disrupted essential services and significant humanitarian needs, impacting children and families already facing conflict, political instability, and poverty.
The earthquakes have further strained already vulnerable communities, creating a complex urban emergency characterized by damaged critical infrastructure, disrupted services and increasing humanitarian needs, particularly among children and families.
UNICEF has activated a scaled-up emergency response, deploying additional surge staff, mobilizing pre-positioned and incoming relief supplies, and participating in interagency assessments and coordination mechanisms to address urgent, life-saving needs in earthquake-affected areas, ensuring that children’s protection, health, WASH, psychosocial support and other essential needs remain at the centre of the humanitarian response.
A first air shipment from UNICEF's regional warehouse in Panama, carrying 20 tons of medical supplies, WASH items, and tents, arrived in the country on 27 June. A second shipment from UNICEF's central warehouse in Copenhagen, containing 48 tons of additional supplies, is expected to arrive on 30 June. Together, these supplies are intended to support more than 100,000 people. UNICEF is also mobilizing pre-positioned supplies and preparing additional shipments to address urgent humanitarian needs.
Given the magnitude and evolution of this emergency, we are strengthening the response to meet the most urgent needs of affected children and families.
At this critical time, we would greatly appreciate your support to join this effort and contribute to providing timely assistance to those who need it most.
To learn more about UNICEF and its work, visit www.unicef.org/
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