Than 200 Aftershocks Worsen the Emergency in Venezuela; World Vision Warns of the Growing Impact on Children
World Vision Venezuela and Colombia continues to monitor the emergency caused by the two earthquakes and calls for collective support to help reduce the growing risks faced by children and their families.
Caracas, Friday, June 26, 2026.
Venezuela continues to face a large-scale humanitarian emergency following the two earthquakes that struck the north-central region of the country on June 24. The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes, which occurred less than one minute apart, have been followed by 214 aftershocks, maintaining a high level of risk for affected communities and complicating response and recovery efforts.
According to the latest reports, the emergency has resulted in 589 fatalities, 2,980 injuries, and more than 50,900 people reported missing. To date, 5,681 people have been located, while 45,219 remain unaccounted for, according to the Solidarity Registry of Missing Persons. These figures remain preliminary and are subject to change as search and verification efforts continue.
The most severely affected areas remain La Guaira, Caracas, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, Falcón, Lara, Mérida, and Yaracuy, where search and rescue operations, emergency medical assistance, and damage assessments continue..
Impact on Infrastructure and Essential Services
The earthquakes have caused significant damage to critical infrastructure and essential services, including:
• Partial and total collapse of homes and buildings.
• Damage to hospitals and other essential facilities.
• Disruptions to electricity, drinking water, gas supply, and telecommunications.
• Suspension of operations of the Caracas Metro and railway system.
• Closure of Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía due to infrastructure damage.
World Vision Teams Report Critical Conditions on the Ground
Initial observations from World Vision staff deployed in affected areas highlight the severe humanitarian impact communities continue to face.
Teams have reported completely collapsed structures, while many families remain unable to return to their homes due to the risk of further collapses, seeking temporary refuge in public squares, sidewalks, and sports facilities.
Field teams have also observed the installation of mobile hospitals to strengthen emergency medical care, as well as entire families—including children, older adults, and people with disabilities—walking toward areas they perceive to be safer out of fear of additional aftershocks.
"Women along the road are pleading with us to take them with us, asking us to 'get them out of there,' while people can be heard shouting, 'Get out! The road is collapsing,'" reported one World Vision humanitarian worker in the field.
Children Face Growing Risks
Children and adolescents remain among the groups most affected by this emergency. In addition to losing or being unable to return to their homes, many are staying in open spaces or temporary shelters, while facing disruptions to their education and limited access to safe water, food, and protective environments.
Preliminary assessments conducted by World Vision indicate significant emotional and psychosocial impacts on children. Fear, uncertainty, and the continuous aftershocks are affecting their well-being and increasing the need for child protection services, psychosocial support, and safe spaces.
Immediate humanitarian priorities remain:
• Search and rescue operations.
• Emergency medical assistance.
• Restoration of essential services.
• Structural safety assessments.
• Temporary shelter for affected families.
• Child protection and psychosocial support.
World Vision Continues Monitoring the Emergency and Calls for Support
World Vision Venezuela and Colombia continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of its staff and their families while advancing humanitarian needs assessments related to child protection, psychosocial support, temporary shelter, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
"Each new aftershock prolongs the uncertainty experienced by thousands of families. Our priority is to stand alongside affected communities, protect children, and respond to the most urgent needs with the support of our teams and humanitarian partners," said Peter Gape, National Director of World Vision Colombia and Venezuela.
As assessments and humanitarian operations continue, World Vision calls on individuals, companies, partners, and donors to support children and families affected by this emergency. Contributions will help strengthen child protection activities, psychosocial support, access to safe water, essential relief items, temporary shelter, and humanitarian assistance in the hardest-hit communities
Contacts:
Peter Gape
National Director, World Vision Colombia and Venezuela
Peter_Gape@wvi.org | +57 3102114858
Maribel Prada
Country Manager Venezuela
Maribel_prada@wvi.org | +58 4247307599
Mayerly Sánchez
Director of External Engagement, Communications and Brand, World Vision Colombia and Venezuela |
Mayerly_Sanchez@wvi.org | +57 3166920888