A volunteer observes a collapsed structure in the aftermath of the earthquakes. A community member surveys the damage caused by the disaster. Community efforts have been key to supporting those affected. (Photo: Yenderzon Bastardo)
Key Facts About the Earthquake in Venezuela
- Two major earthquakes (7.2 and 7.5 magnitude) struck Venezuela on 24 June 2026, followed by more than 1,000 aftershocks
- At least 5,069 people died and 16,740 have been injured as of 17 July 2026
- Hundreds of families displaced, and more than 17,000 people have been affected
- La Guaira, epicenter of the impact, and Caracas among the hardest hit areas, with widespread damage to homes and infrastructure
- Critical services have been disrupted, including electricity, drinking water, telecommunications, and domestic gas supply
- 7.9 million people already needed humanitarian aid before the earthquake
- Immediate, life-saving assistance is critical to address urgent needs and prevent further harm
At this critical moment for Venezuela, we are working alongside our partner organizations to quickly and effectively channel support to the hardest-hit communities. A locally led response is key to ensuring that aid reaches where it is needed most.
What’s Happening in Venezuela?
Two powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela on 24 June 2026, followed by more than 1,000 aftershocks. According to official numbers, 5,069 people have died and 16,740 have been injured, while hundreds of families remain displaced as of 17 July 2026.
More than 17,000 people have been affected. The full extent of the impact remains uncertain, as access to real-time, verified information continues to be limited.
Affected families are temporarily living in tents. The loss of their homes has forced many people to set up makeshift shelters in public spaces. The need for safe housing remains urgent. (Photo: Yenderzon Bastardo)
A Crisis on Top of a Crisis
The cities of La Guaira—the epicenter of the disaster—and Caracas sustained the most severe damage, while significant impacts were also reported in six other States, including the Capital District, Miranda, Carabobo, Falcón and Yaracuy. The earthquakes caused widespread structural damage to homes, public buildings, health centers, and critical infrastructure. Essential services, including electricity, drinking water, telecommunications, and domestic gas supply, have been significantly disrupted.
This emergency compounds an already complex humanitarian crisis: As of early 2026, an estimated 7.9 million people required humanitarian assistance. Lack of safe water, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare could further worsen living conditions for thousands, while displacement and shelter needs are expected to increase. Women, girls, the elderly, and people with disabilities face heightened protection risk. The humanitarian response in Venezuela has been severely underfunded in the last years, with less than 26% of the funds needed to respond to the humanitarian crises having been received by June 2026.
How is Oxfam Helping?
Oxfam is currently coordinating with local partner organizations to assess needs and develop a response plan following this sudden-onset emergency. Initial assessments are underway through partner organizations to determine the scale of damage and identify priority needs.
Immediate, life-saving assistance is critical to address urgent needs and prevent further harm, including emergency healthcare, temporary shelter, protection, restoration of essential services, access to food, safe water, and basic hygiene conditions.