June 30, 2026
News
The strongest earthquake in 100 years struck Venezuela at a time when the country had been facing a prolonged humanitarian crisis. Even before the disaster, nearly 8 million people had been in need of assistance. Shortly after the catastrophe, the government has opened the country to international aid. Caritas Venezuela has the option to accept financial donations from abroad and expand its capacity to meet the needs of the most vulnerable. In response to the event, organisations within the Caritas Internationalis network, including Caritas Czech Republic, have also become involved.
Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck Venezuela on Wednesday after 6 p.m. local time in regions located within a zone with a higher likelihood of seismic activity. Among the most affected areas are Caracas, La Guaira, and the states of Falcón, Carabobo, Yaracuy, Aragua, Miranda, Trujillo, and Lara. The impact of the disaster has been significantly intensified by a combination of dense population, inadequate buildings, weakened infrastructure, high levels of poverty, and insufficient equipment. As of today, more than 1,700 fatalities have been reported, while, according to unofficial reports, nearly 50,000 people remain missing. The first 72 hours after the event are the most critical period for searching for survivors. As this window has already passed, the death toll is expected to rise significantly.
Photo: Almost 50,000 people remain missing (photo by Caritas Venezuela)
At the moment, the attention focuses on rescue operations, debris removal, emergency medical care and securing basic necessities. Our sister organisation, Caritas Venezuela, has immediately activated its network across the country. It has opened dozens of collection centres and deployed teams to affected areas, where they are currently providing direct help, including the distribution of water, food and basic necessities, as well as psychosocial and spiritual support. Many residents remain outside of their homes, they sleep in cars or tents and are afraid to return. The affected area continues to be hit by aftershocks, and damaged buildings may be unstable and at risk of collapse.
These days, Caritas Venezuela has been implementing an action plan called 24x24, based on the principle of strategically and systematically alternating between two phases: for 24 hours, Caritas collects aid from local sources at collection centres, and during the following 24 hours, it distributes it to people in need. Once the current initial phase of assistance (focused on basic survival) concludes, Caritas Venezuela’s humanitarian efforts will shift toward recovery, including support for housing and livelihoods.
Photo: Caritas Venezuela helps the most vulnerable (photo by Caritas Venezuela)
Caritas Venezuela is supported by individual organisations across the Caritas Internationalis network, including Caritas Czech Republic. Immediately on Thursday, 25 June, we launched a fundraising campaign called Caritas for Venezuela.
The country will need our help for many years. Even a small donation is meaningful. Thank you for helping together with us.
