• The humanitarian organisation will distribute food, hygiene, and menstrual dignity kits in communities devastated by the two powerful earthquakes.
• In response to the anticipated humanitarian impact, World Vision will provide psychosocial support to help children and their families cope with trauma.
• The response will prioritise child protection, food security, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
   

Dublin – 29 June 2026  – World Vision activated its emergency response team just hours after two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck north-central Venezuela on Wednesday, 24 June, leaving widespread devastation, major disruptions to essential services, and more than 589 people dead, 2,980 injured, and 214 aftershocks, according to official reports. World Vision Latin America and the Caribbean is prepared to launch a comprehensive emergency response within 36 hours of the official emergency declaration.

Following the collapse of residential and commercial buildings in communities such as La Guaira and Catia La Mar in the Capital District, as well as in the states of Miranda, Falcón, and Carabobo, World Vision is conducting rapid damage and needs assessments to determine the most urgent humanitarian priorities.

"Humanitarian assistance is urgently needed in a country that was already facing a critical situation before this disaster made it even worse. World Vision will focus on supporting affected families through food assistance, hygiene and sanitation kits, menstrual dignity kits, and portable sanitation facilities in the hardest-hit communities. However, meeting the enormous humanitarian needs will require the generosity of the international community and sustained donor support," said Joao Diniz, Regional Leader for World Vision Latin America and the Caribbean.

In response to the trauma caused by the earthquakes and the increased protection risks facing children who have lost their homes or become separated from their parents or caregivers, World Vision will implement community-based child protection activities, raise awareness on safeguarding children, and help prevent gender-based violence. The organisation will also support displacement sites with portable toilets and waste management systems to improve sanitation conditions.

The Venezuelan Government has activated national emergency protocols, ordered the preventive shutdown of gas services in affected buildings, and deployed search-and-rescue teams alongside Civil Protection authorities. A tsunami watch remains in effect for coastal areas located within 300 kilometres of the earthquake's epicentre.

Thousands of children and adolescents in the affected areas now face heightened risks of family separation, psychological distress, and exposure to unsafe structures as evacuations continue and aftershocks persist. World Vision is assessing urgent needs related to child protection, psychosocial support, safe shelter, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), drawing on its operational presence in Venezuela and its extensive network of community partners and local churches.

World Vision calls on the international community, donors, and humanitarian partners to provide immediate financial support to scale up the emergency response in Venezuela and ensure that children and their families receive the life-saving assistance they urgently need during this critical time.

To support World Vision's emergency response in Venezuela, please visit: https://www.worldvision.ie/donate/venezuela-earthquake-appeal 

ENDS

World Vision has spokespeople in the region available for interview.

For further information or to organise an interview, please contact Róisín Drayne, Senior Communications Manager at World Vision Ireland, at roisin.drayne@worldvision.ie.

Notes to Editor
World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.  World Vision carries out lifesaving humanitarian efforts with investments from numerous partners, including institutional donors, faith-based organisations, corporations and governments. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.ie.