The images coming out of Venezuela have moved our entire community. On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, within seconds, two powerful earthquakes shook the north-central region of the country and left behind devastation that is hard to put into words. In moments like these, distance hurts, but it also reminds us that solidarity knows no borders.
At the firm, our hearts are with every Venezuelan family affected, both inside and outside the country. That is why we prepared this guide: so you know what happened and, above all, how you can help in a safe and effective way from anywhere in the world.
What happened?
Around 6:04 p.m. local time on June 24, a first earthquake of magnitude 7.2 struck the coastal region west of Caracas. Just about 40 seconds later, a second, even stronger quake of magnitude 7.5 hit the same area. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), these are the strongest earthquakes Venezuela has experienced in more than a century.
Here is what is known so far (figures as of June 25, 2026, and subject to change):
- The coastal state of La Guaira was declared a disaster zone, with damage reported across several north-central regions.
- Dozens of buildings and homes collapsed, and rescue teams continue searching for people trapped in the rubble.
- Venezuelan authorities declared a state of emergency and report, so far, at least 164 people dead and around 971 injured, along with more than 30 aftershocks.
- The Maiquetía international airport sustained damage, complicating the arrival of aid.
- The tremor was felt as far away as Colombia. The USGS warned that the real number of victims could be considerably higher.
- Several countries and international organizations have already offered help and begun mobilizing rescue teams and supplies.
Important: information during an emergency of this scale changes by the hour. Always rely on official sources and reputable media for the latest figures and needs.
How to help from anywhere in the world
You do not need to be in Venezuela to make a difference. Below is a list of well-known, transparent organizations with an active response to this emergency. We have grouped them by type of aid so you can choose what matters most to you.
I Love Venezuela
Food and water
- World Central Kitchen — Founded by Chef José Andrés, it delivers hot meals and water to disaster zones. It announced an initial one-million-dollar donation for Venezuela. Donate: https://wck.org/donate
Medical care and supplies
- Direct Relief — Provides medicine, surgical supplies, and kits for first responders. Recognized for its transparency and its record in past earthquakes (Haiti, Nepal, Turkey-Syria). Donate: https://www.directrelief.org/donate
- International Medical Corps — Immediately deployed its in-country team to assess needs and provide emergency medical care. Learn more and donate: https://internationalmedicalcorps.org/emergency-response/venezuela-earthquakes/
Children and families
- UNICEF — Supports children and families affected, among the most vulnerable in any disaster. Donate: https://www.unicef.org/emergencies
- Save the Children — Activated a response focused on protecting children after the earthquake. Donate: https://www.savethechildren.org
- World Vision — A Christian humanitarian organization assessing and meeting needs in the affected areas. Donate: https://www.worldvision.org
United Nations system and Red Cross
- UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) — Stated it is ready to support the disaster response. Donate: https://donate.unhcr.org
- Red Cross (IFRC / Venezuelan Red Cross) — Activated rescue and assessment teams and mobilized prepositioned supplies through its emergency fund (DREF). Information: https://www.ifrc.org
- Venezuela Humanitarian Fund (UN OCHA) — An official mechanism that channels resources to organizations working inside the country. Information: https://www.unocha.org/venezuela-humanitarian-fund
Organizations focused on Venezuela
- Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) — Has worked in Venezuela for more than two decades and will assist families who lost their homes. Information: https://www.nrc.no
- Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), together with its local partner I Love Venezuela — Response teams mobilizing on the ground with emergency aid. Information: https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/venezuela-earthquake/
How to donate safely and avoid fraud
Sadly, every tragedy also brings out people who take advantage of goodwill. Before you donate, follow these tips so your help reaches those who truly need it:
- Type the organization’s web address yourself in your browser, instead of clicking links sent to you by message or social media.
- Confirm the page is the official one. Addresses usually end in .org and show clear information about the organization, its finances, and its contact details.
- Be wary of new or unknown accounts asking for money by private message, even if they claim to be “collecting for Venezuela.”
- Be careful with personal fundraisers (for example, on crowdfunding platforms). They can be legitimate, but scammers use them too: donate only if you know and trust the organizer.
- Prefer well-known organizations with a proven track record, like the ones on this list.
- Keep your donation receipt, especially if you want to deduct it from your taxes.
- If you get a call or email pressuring you to donate immediately, take your time. Serious organizations do not pressure you.
Emergency Services in Venezuela
Websites:
desaparecidosterremotovenezuela.com
Emergency Numbers:
Cantv (From a landline): 171
Movilnet: *1
Movistar: 911
Fire Department:
Metropolitan: (0212) 545.4545
La Guaira: (0212) 332.7620
La Trinidad: (0212) 943.4361
Metropolitan Ambulance Service (Caracas):
(0212) 545.4545
(0212) 577.9209
Air Ambulances:
(0212) 933.2541
(0212) 992.8980
A word for our Venezuelan community
To all Venezuelans who today feel the pain of their homeland from afar: your strength has been proven time and again. The same unity that has sustained so many families in exile is what helps lift Venezuela up today. Let us keep praying, staying informed, and contributing, each of us from where we are.
If you are Venezuelan and live in the United States, it is natural that questions about your immigration status, about bringing an affected family member, or about available protections come up at times like these. Every case is different, and immigration rules change frequently. If you have questions about your specific case, our firm is available to guide you through a consultation.
Stay strong, Venezuela. You are not alone.
