Published on: 2026-06-30
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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June 30, 2026 Humanitarian Aid
Six days after the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported a widespread food shortage in La Guaira state, which was the hardest hit. Basic services in the region are effectively non-existent, communication is almost completely unavailable, and due to limited access to humanitarian aid, tensions are rising in local communities.
An emergency assessment of humanitarian needs conducted at the end of last week in the regions affected by the disaster showed that half of those affected are taking shelter with relatives or neighbors. Nearly forty percent are forced to live on the streets, in public spaces, churches, schools, or in improvised shelters that provide neither safety, nor privacy, nor basic sanitary conditions. Particular concern is raised by the presence among the affected of children who are unaccompanied by adults or separated from their families.
According to authorities as of Monday, the death toll stands at 1,719; at least 5,034 Venezuelans have been injured; 15,866 people have been left homeless.
The healthcare system is on the brink of collapse
The situation in the healthcare system remains critical. As stated by Christian Lindmeier, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of injured people exceeds the capabilities of local medical facilities. Out of 21 inspected healthcare facilities in Caracas, La Guaira, Miranda, and Falcon, three are in critical condition, six have structural damage or operate partially, and the rest are working under enormous pressure.
Hospitals are experiencing a chaotic influx of patients, overcrowded wards, long queues for surgeries, biosecurity failures, and overburdened staff. Forensic medical services and morgues are on the brink of collapse.
© UNICEF/L. Garcia Many people affected by the earthquakes in La Guaira live in tents.
Health risks are multiplying. WHO warns of the threat of outbreaks of measles, diphtheria, pertussis, yellow fever, as well as diseases transmitted through water and rodents. The situation is exacerbated by low vaccination rates and limited access to vaccines.
The WHO is additionally alarmed by the lack of information about the fate of several key healthcare workers in La Guaira, including those who provided the entire cycle of obstetric care in the region, which has led to a critical situation in the pregnancy care system.
Clearing of debris
Clearing the debris is the most important first step towards recovery in Venezuela. According to a preliminary assessment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), approximately 1.2 million tons of building rubble and waste have accumulated in the hardest-hit areas of La Guaira state. Of the total debris, about 915 thousand tons come from damaged buildings, and 332 thousand tons are household items and personal belongings.
UNICEF Assistance
On Tuesday, a shipment of UNICEF humanitarian aid weighing 47 tons arrived in Venezuela – including medicines, drinking water, and educational materials delivered from the European reserve warehouse in Copenhagen. Together with a previous shipment from Panama, this assistance is aimed at supporting more than 100,000 children and families over three months. However, this is not enough: according to UNICEF estimates, about 680,000 children need help, and the fund has appealed to the international community for $52 million for further actions.
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