The International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched a USD 98 million appeal on 17 July 2026 to assist families and communities affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June, causing widespread loss of life, displacement, and destruction, according to a press release by IOM. The appeal outlines a 12-month response plan focused on shelter, life-saving assistance, and early recovery. It seeks to help affected communities rebuild in the months ahead. The initiative was announced jointly from Geneva and Caracas. It represents the Organization’s coordinated push to address urgent humanitarian needs.
The earthquakes and subsequent aftershocks caused extensive damage across several states, including La Guaira, Distrito Capital, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, and Falcón. Thousands of families have been displaced. Damage to homes, health facilities, water systems, and other critical infrastructure has severely disrupted access to essential services. Since the onset of the emergency, IOM has worked alongside Venezuelan authorities, United Nations agencies, and humanitarian partners. The Organization has managed collective shelters and led site coordination efforts for displaced families.
Building on its longstanding presence in Venezuela, IOM is scaling up its response through an integrated approach that addresses both immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term recovery priorities. To date, IOM has assisted nearly 6,000 people in collective sites under its coordination. It has delivered over 10,000 services, including temporary accommodation, health care, and protection assistance. The appeal focuses on priority areas including shelter and site coordination, early recovery, and health. Together, these interventions aim to provide immediate relief while helping communities recover safely and with dignity.
“The people of Venezuela have shown remarkable resilience, but recovery will take time and sustained support,” said Lia Poggio, IOM Chief of Mission in Venezuela. She noted that the appeal will help ensure that families receive the assistance they need, including a place to stay. Poggio added that it will enable communities to move beyond the emergency and rebuild essential services. She emphasized that the response aims to lay the foundations for a safe and lasting recovery. Her remarks underscored the scale of the challenges facing affected populations.
IOM’s response will prioritize safety, dignity, accountability, and inclusion, ensuring that affected people are at the center of decision-making and recovery efforts. Working closely with government authorities, local communities, and humanitarian partners, the Organization will support a coordinated, needs-based response. It will reach both heavily affected and underserved areas. The appeal reflects IOM’s broader commitment to supporting people affected by crises and displacement through locally-led, people-centered, and sustainable solutions. The full appeal is available on the ReliefWeb platform.
