Published on: 2026-06-25
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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June 25, 2026 Humanitarian aid
The United Nations organization is supporting international efforts to eliminate the consequences of two powerful earthquakes that occurred in Venezuela. Rescuers continue search operations in the country’s capital Caracas and other affected areas, where people may be trapped under rubble.
According to the latest data, at least 164 people died as a result of the disaster, and another 971 were injured. The most severe situation developed in the northern part of the country. The scale of destruction in the hardest-hit state of La Guaira is still unknown.
According to information from the United States Geological Survey, the first earthquake with a magnitude of 7.2 occurred near the city of San Felipe, which has a population of about 220,000 people. Less than a minute later, a second underground tremor with a magnitude of 7.5 followed, which, according to reports, became the strongest in the country in more than 125 years.
International search and rescue operation
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced the urgent deployment of search and rescue teams through the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group.
“I am constantly in communication with our team in Caracas led by the Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland, to ensure rapid and effective response measures,” said the Deputy UN Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher.
According to him, in the morning Rampolla already held negotiations with the acting President of Venezuela, and UN personnel, together with the country’s authorities, are urgently assessing needs and determining priority areas for assistance.
UN agencies have declared readiness to help
The World Food Programme (WFP) expressed solidarity with the people of Venezuela and announced its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance.
“My thoughts today are with those affected by the earthquake in Venezuela. UNICEF is ready to provide assistance and support response measures to deliver aid to those in need as quickly as possible,” said acting UNICEF Executive Director Karl Skau.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced that it is mobilizing its forces together with partners to assess the needs of the population.
“Devastating news from Venezuela, where two powerful earthquakes occurred almost simultaneously. There are casualties, many injured, entire communities affected. Rapid international support is extremely important for responding to the situation,” emphasized IOM Director General Emi Poup.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) also expressed readiness to provide assistance.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the earthquake that struck Caracas. I express solidarity with all those who lost loved ones, were injured, or lost their homes. UNHCR is ready to support response efforts in coordination with authorities and partners,” said the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) also announced its readiness to assist in the liquidation of the consequences of the disaster.
Access to social networks and media
The independent international UN mission to establish facts regarding Venezuela stated that in the conditions of a devastating earthquake, all measures of national and international response should be based on the principle of human rights.
“As a priority step, it is extremely important that the National Telecommunications Commission fully restores access to social networks and all mass media,” the Mission’s statement says.
Experts emphasized that in the coming hours and days access to information will be a matter of life and death.
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