GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The International Organization for Migration has launched a $98 million appeal for Venezuela’s earthquake response. The funding request covers 12 months of emergency relief and early recovery work. It follows the June 24 earthquakes that devastated northern and central parts of the country. Authorities reported 4,930 deaths and 16,740 injuries as of July 16. Thousands of families also lacked safe housing. The appeal places shelter, health services and early recovery at the center of the response.
The IOM plan includes site coordination, protection services and support for damaged public infrastructure. It also covers water systems, health facilities and other essential services. The agency identified La Guaira, the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua and Falcón among affected areas. Many communities still face damaged homes and interrupted utilities. Crowded collective sites have increased demand for shelter and basic care. IOM said funding would support both heavily affected and underserved locations.
IOM has assisted nearly 6,000 people in collective sites under its coordination. It has delivered more than 10,000 services since the earthquakes. Those services include temporary accommodation, health care and protection assistance. Local teams have expanded operations across the affected states. Government authorities, local communities and humanitarian partners are coordinating the response. The agency said this structure helps match aid with verified needs. The response also links emergency support with early recovery planning.
Earthquake appeal targets shelter and essential services
The appeal seeks to provide safe and dignified shelter throughout the recovery period. It includes support for families living in collective sites or temporary accommodation. IOM also plans to help repair essential services in affected communities. Activities cover shelter management, health support, protection and early recovery. Teams will assess needs and direct assistance across damaged and underserved areas. The organization said the approach combines immediate relief with practical recovery measures. Funding will also strengthen coordination with public institutions and humanitarian partners.
The June 24 disaster involved two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5. They struck about 40 seconds apart in northern Venezuela. The earthquakes caused violent shaking across densely populated areas. Aftershocks added pressure to rescue teams and complicated damage assessments. Homes, hospitals, roads and water networks sustained extensive damage. Several states reported major disruption to public services and transport links. The damage forced many residents into shelters or other temporary housing.
Humanitarian needs remain widespread across affected states
Humanitarian assessments have documented major needs among children and families. An earlier estimate found that 1.8 million people required humanitarian assistance. That total included about 680,000 children. Priority needs include safe water, sanitation, medical care, shelter and protection. The IOM appeal adds dedicated funding for displacement and site management operations. It also supports recovery work linked to damaged services and community infrastructure. The agency built these activities around its 12-month response framework.
IOM Venezuela chief Lia Poggio said recovery would require sustained support. She said families needed accommodation and help restoring essential services. The organization plans to work with government bodies and local partners. Its appeal sets out a yearlong framework for emergency assistance and recovery. The $98 million request will finance shelter, health, protection and coordination programs. It also covers early recovery measures in the hardest-hit and underserved areas. IOM said the response will continue to prioritize verified needs across affected communities.