Venezuela earthquake: Rescue window narrows as tens of thousands remain missing
“Countless families” are still without shelter, food and water days after deadly earthquakes struck Venezuela, reports an Islamic Relief aid worker delivering lifesaving aid.
On the evening of 24 June 2026, 2 powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela within 40 seconds. At a magnitude of 7.5, the second quake was one of the strongest tremors to hit the south American country in a century.
At least 1,450 people have been confirmed killed so far, and over 4,000 have been injured, but numbers are expected to rise rapidly. The US Geological Survey, one of the leading global authorities, has warned the death toll could exceed 10,000.
Around 50,000 people are also reported missing. A massive search and rescue effort is underway in Venezuela, with 33 people being found alive on Sunday.
However, the overwhelming scale of destruction means there are many buildings where not a single stone has been moved.
The 2 main hospitals in La Guaira are overwhelmed and facing a severe lack of medical supplies, as the destruction unfolds in a county already experiencing a humanitarian crisis.
What is Islamic Relief doing to help people in Venezuela?
Islamic Relief has launched an emergency appeal and is distributing food and hygiene packs specially designed for families who have lost their homes and can be used despite power cuts and lack of refrigeration. The packs include things like oil, cans of meat and tuna, powdered milk, sanitary pads, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and toilet paper. Each family is being given initial packs to last 1 week.
Islamic Relief’s Omar Khalifa is in Venezuela as part of our emergency response team and is distributing aid to survivors. He says:
“There are countless families spending nights in the open by the side of the road. Many don’t even have tents, food, water or toilets. Tens of thousands more people are still missing and rescue teams are desperately searching through mountains of rubble for any survivors.
“Many homes are completely destroyed, but even families whose homes are still standing told me they can’t return yet as they are terrified of the constant tremors and aftershocks. Families who live in damaged tower blocks are particularly vulnerable as more tremors could make them collapse at any moment.
“The earthquakes hit just a minute apart, so people escaped at a moment’s notice with only the clothes they were wearing. I’ve spoken to some people who left vital medication at home and now don’t have anything with them.
“Islamic Relief has experience responding to earthquakes all over the world and the first few days of the response are the most vital for saving lives. Our local partners here are working around the clock to get people food, hygiene materials and shelter as quickly as possible.”
Your generosity is a lifeline to people struggling to survive catastrophic conditions in Venezuela. Please help Islamic Relief to support them by donating to our Global Emergencies Fund today.
