Catholic Relief Services helps in Venezuela: July 1, 2026

Catholic Relief Services. Within the first 12 hours, more than 160 people were killed, nearly 1,000 people were injured, and thousands of families were displaced. These numbers are sure to rise as the full extent of the damage becomes clearer in the days ahead. As aftershocks continued, the president declared a state of emergency, schools and non-essential services were suspended, and Caracas’ airport was temporarily closed after sustaining heavy damage.

Catholic Relief Services helps in Venezuela

On June 24, 2026, two powerful earthquakes struck northern Venezuela just seconds apart, triggering a major humanitarian emergency across the country. The twin earthquakes—the strongest to strike the South American country in decades—flattened buildings, damaged roads and left families searching for safety.

Within the first 12 hours, more than 160 people were killed, nearly 1,000 people were injured, and thousands of families were displaced. These numbers are sure to rise as the full extent of the damage becomes clearer in the days ahead. As aftershocks continued, the president declared a state of emergency, schools and non-essential services were suspended, and Caracas’ airport was temporarily closed after sustaining heavy damage.

As search and rescue efforts continue, Catholic parishes in Venezuela have opened their doors to shelter displaced families and provide earthquake relief and emergency assistance. Through its longstanding partnership with Caritas Venezuela, CRS is supporting rapid assessments and preparing to deploy additional humanitarian workers to expand lifesaving relief for people who have lost homes, livelihoods and a sense of security.

Emergency Relief Priorities

The impact of the earthquakes has intensified humanitarian needs in a country already facing one of the region’s worst humanitarian crises. An estimated 7.9 million people were already in need of assistance due to years of economic crisis, food insecurity and weakened public services. CRS and Caritas Venezuela are working to provide earthquake-affected families with critical aid to meet the most urgent needs in the aftermath, including:

Emergency shelter and essential household items
Food assistance
Safe water, sanitation and hygiene
Emergency health and trauma care
Mental health and emotional support
Protection for vulnerable populations, particularly children, older adults and people with disabilities
Support for this response enables CRS and Caritas Venezuela to provide essential items such as shelter, food, safe water and emergency health care to families in need.

Deliver Lifesaving Relief Now

Your gift can deliver emergency shelter, food and care to families affected by the earthquake.

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Courtesy of Caritas Venezuela

This grandmother has taken on the role of caregiver for her granddaughters after their mother left Venezuela in search of work.

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