The need for aid in Venezuela will be enormous for a long time to come after two powerful earthquakes hit the already crisis-stricken country. Caritas is in place with lifeguards emergency response , but we need your support to be able to help even more people.

Make a gift today and help save lives

This has happened

On June 24, 2026, Venezuela was hit by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.1 and 7.5 on the Richter scale – the most destructive in over 60 years. The tremors occurred just seconds apart and had epicenters near the coastal area west of the capital, Caracas. 

• Over 1,430 people have been confirmed dead so far
• Over 30 have been found alive
• 3,238 are confirmed injured
• Over 30,000 people are still believed to be trapped under the rubble.
• More than 3,000 families are directly affected
• Homes and critical infrastructure have been destroyed
• Families are still desperately searching for loved ones in the rubble. In areas like La Guaira and Caracas, people are now living on the streets or in makeshift shelters, without security or basic services.

The urgent needs are

• Temporary shelter : Many have lost their homes or are afraid to return due to damage and aftershocks. Churches and congregations are opening to welcome displaced families.
• Food and relief items : Affected families need immediate access to food, clean water, blankets, hygiene items and other basic necessities.
• Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) : Damage to infrastructure and power outages make access to safe water and sanitation uncertain, increasing the risk of disease.
• Healthcare and trauma care : There is a great need for emergency medical care for the injured, including surgical capacity, as well as follow-up of traumatic injuries.
• Psychosocial support : Many are in shock after the incident, and support is needed for both children and adults who have experienced loss, fear and uncertainty.
• Rapid needs assessment and coordination: Humanitarian actors are now prioritizing getting an overview of the extent of damage in order to target aid effectively.

This makes Caritas

Cáritas Venezuela immediately activated its national emergency mechanisms throughout its diocesan network, dispatched teams to the affected areas and established a coordinated system for the collection and distribution of emergency response This network-based structure makes it possible to scale up assistance, even in areas where infrastructure and government capacity are severely limited.

Caritas Norway is in close contact with our partner Caritas Venezuela about the immediate needs. We have contributed 400,000 kroner from our disaster fund, launched a fundraising campaign and sent an application to the Norwegian authorities for additional funds to scale up the relief work. In addition, we are putting the humanitarian situation and aid needs on the agenda in the Norwegian media.

Caritas Internationalis' emergency appeal system has been activated to mobilize international funding, technical resources and rapid response support. However, the funding gap is large and every donation, large or small, will make a difference.

Caritas contributes with:

• Search and rescue
• Distribution of food, clean water and hygiene items
• Establishment of safe, temporary housing in churches, parish houses and local communities
• Healthcare and psychosocial support
• Strengthening water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services

Why support Caritas ?

There are many organizations that help in disasters – here's why your gift to Caritas makes a difference:

Trust
Caritas is one of the most trusted humanitarian actors in Venezuela and enjoys great confidence among the population. The organization has gained significant experience in dealing with complex humanitarian crises over the past decade, particularly in food security , water and sanitation, health and protection.

Local anchoring
Caritas Venezuela is present in communities across the country, with direct access to those most affected through a network of dioceses and parishes.

Fast and efficient help
Thanks to a large network of over 30,000 local volunteers and employees, when Caritas quickly reach those who need it most. With established networks, aid can be mobilized immediately and there is no need to wait for international aid workers to be sent in.

Established collaboration
Caritas Norway channels your support through Caritas Venezuela, with whom we have already had an established collaboration since 2016. Caritas Venezuela is part of the ongoing humanitarian strategic partnership agreement we have with Norad, which also includes projects in the areas most affected by the earthquakes.

Your help saves lives
The situation is critical, and the needs are increasing every day. With your support, families can find food, security, and hope in an extremely difficult situation.

👉 Make a gift now - and make a difference for people in need