Updated: 6 July, 2026
Facts about the Venezuela earthquake
Learn how the earthquake is adding to the challenges facing Venezuela’s children
What is happening in Venezuela?
On Wednesday 24 June, 2026, two powerful earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela near Caracas. The earthquakes occurred within seconds of each other and triggered widespread shaking across the country.
Authorities continue to assess the full impact and search-and-rescue operations remain ongoing, while response efforts increasingly focus on supporting families displaced from their homes.
FAQs: Everything you need to know about the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand
Fast facts: 2026 Venezuela earthquakes
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Two earthquakes struck Venezuela in quick succession on 24 June 2026 just after 18:00 local time (23:00 BST).
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A 7.2 magnitude earthquake was followed 39 seconds later by a stronger 7.5 magnitude quake.
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The earthquakes struck near Yaracuy state and were felt across Venezuela and beyond, as far as the Brazilian Amazon.
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Buildings have collapsed, including in the capital city, Caracas, leaving people trapped beneath rubble.
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Venezuelan authorities launched search-and-rescue operations across affected areas as emergency crews worked through the night.
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Over 20 aftershocks have already been recorded.
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At the time of writing, 3,342 people have died, 16,470 have been injured and 17,345 families have been left homeless by the disaster.
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The second earthquake was the strongest experienced in Venezuela in over 125 years.
What is it like for people affected?
Fear, uncertainty and grief have become daily realities for families and children struggling to survive in the wake of the earthquakes.
“Thousands of people remain without a safe place to live,” writes Maribel Prada, Country Manager for World Vision Venezuela. “Their homes have been completely destroyed, and access to essential services such as safe water, electricity, gas, and communications remains severely disrupted.
“Alongside these immediate humanitarian needs, a silent emergency is unfolding: the emotional toll of the disaster. Children and their families are living through days marked by fear, uncertainty, and grief. Many are showing signs of anxiety, distress, and irritability after losing their homes, their belongings, and, in many cases, their loved ones.
“Witnessing the parents struggle through this tragedy further increases children's vulnerability.”
How is the earthquake impacting children?
Children are among the most vulnerable in disasters like this.
Even before the earthquake, many families in Venezuela were already struggling.
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79 million people needed humanitarian assistance.
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Over 90% of households faced shortages in basic services.
Now, the earthquake is likely to further disrupt children’s access to education, increase risks to safety and protection and limit access to food, clean water and healthcare.
For children, the impact goes beyond the immediate crisis, affecting their safety, wellbeing and future.
How is World Vision responding?
World Vision has been working in Venezuela since 2019, supporting work in all 23 states through 300 employees and 2,000 churches and community volunteers.
With a strong local presence and trusted community networks, essential support can reach children and families quickly when it’s needed most.
In response to the earthquakes, World Vision immediately activated its incident teams. Current actions include:
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Monitoring conditions across affected regions.
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Coordinating response efforts between teams in Venezuela and Colombia.
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Gathering information on community impacts and humanitarian needs.
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Delivering emergency response activities, including food parcels, hygiene kits and child protection services.
Almost 10,000 people have already been reached with emergency food, hygiene supplies and other essential aid. Two Child Friendly Spaces have been established in the capital, Caracas, to support children as they recover, play and receive vital psychosocial support.
But the need is great and continuing to grow.
"We are in constant contact with our staff in the affected areas to assess their situation, provide the necessary assistance, and ensure they have the support they need,” says Peter Gape, World Vision’s National Director for Colombia and Venezuela.
“We offer our prayers for all those affected by this earthquake and reaffirm our commitment to respond with solidarity, hope, and compassion in the face of this emergency.”
How you can help
World Vision UK is part of the DEC (Disasters Emergencies Committee), which has launched an emergency appeal to help those affected.
Your gift today can help provide:
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hygiene kits to help meet families' basic needs
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emergency food parcels
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emergency water kits
- child protection services
Donate now to help children and families affected by the Venezuela earthquake.
