Together, we can be there for children who need it most. Donate now to our Venezuela Earthquake Appeal.
What's happening in Venezuela?
Updated 01/07/26
Two devastating earthquakes ripped through Venezuela on 24 June.
The massive earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, have left thousands of children homeless, hungry and terrified. We’re racing against time to protect them from the knock-on effects of this disaster.
Over 1,000 people are reported dead – but with over 60,000 people reported missing, we know that number will be higher.
Imagine being a child in this situation. Your home collapsing around you in a matter of seconds. Being forced to flee for your life. Your world torn apart, overnight.
The damage has cut off communications and power in some areas, so the extent of the destruction is still becoming clear. But we know from experience that children will need urgent support to access shelter, food, water and healthcare now.
In any emergency, children are always the most vulnerable. It’s vital we act fast to save lives.
What we're doing to help children and their families in Venezuela
We’ve come together with 13 other big UK charities to launch the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) Venezuela Earthquake Appeal. With our emergency response skills and compassionate supporters combined, we can quickly get help to people who need it.
Our teams and partners began responding in the affected areas within 24 hours of the earthquakes.
We'll support children and their families with the things they'll urgently need:
- child protection, including psychological first aid and safe spaces for children to learn and play
- healthcare, including lifesaving medical supplies and responding to disease outbreaks
- food, including malnutrition treatment, and essentials for families who have lost access to food and cooking supplies
- water, including hydration points and safe water storage
- hygiene and cleaning kits
- education, including setting up temporary learning spaces and providing teaching and learning materials
We're aiming to reach 350,000 people, including 200,000 children, in these crucial first few months.
That’s only possible thanks to the generosity of people like you, helping us protect children who need it most - today, tomorrow and always.
Donate now to help children in Venezuela survive these terrible earthquakes.
Save the Children
Families are clutching what few belongings they managed to save, children are in the open streets too scared to return to their destroyed homes which are unsafe. The safety of children is a serious concern and our top priority.
Fatima Andraca, Country Director Save the Children in Venezuela
Your questions answered
-
What caused the Venezuela earthquake?
-
Venezuela sits on a network of active fault lines, making it prone to seismic activity. The 24th of June earthquake was caused by movement along the Boconó-Morón-El Pilar Fault System, a complex boundary where the Caribbean and South American plates collide, triggering widespread destruction across affected regions.
-
Is Venezuela prone to earthquakes?
-
Yes. Venezuela lies in a seismically active zone in northern South America. The country has experienced significant earthquakes historically, and communities - particularly children - often lack the resources to recover quickly.
-
When did the Venezuela earthquake happen?
-
The earthquake struck on the 24th of June 2026. Save the Children's teams were mobilised immediately to reach children and families in the worst-affected areas.
-
What was the situation in Venezuela before the earthquake?
-
Venezuela is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world. Years of economic collapse, hyperinflation, and climate‑related disasters have pushed millions of families to the brink. Basic services like healthcare, education, clean water, and protection have deteriorated dramatically, and many parents can no longer meet even their children’s most fundamental needs.
-
How is Save the Children responding to the Venezuela earthquake?
-
Working with partners, we're there ready to provide healthcare, child protection support, shelter and food. Every donation helps us reach more children.
-
How does Save the Children help children affected by earthquakes?
-
We've been responding to earthquakes around the world for years, making sure children and families have the emergency relief and long-term support they need to rebuild their lives. Find out more about how we help when an earthquake strikes.
-
What work was Save the Children already doing in Venezuela?
-
We've been working with local partners in Venezuela since 2018, making sure children get the support they need. We focus on:
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene: fixing sanitation systems in schools, such as building toilets and washrooms
- Health: providing community healthcare and basic medical care
- Nutrition: screening for malnutrition in communities and supporting caregivers with breastfeeding
- Child Protection: promoting the well-being of children and teenagers through learning activities, child-friendly spaces, mindfulness practices in schools and communities, and mental health support
- Education: providing educational kits, training teachers, and coordinating with educators and community partners to help students catch up on their learning and support their return to school.
Since 2020 we've reached more than 276,000 people, including over 150,000 children. Find out more about our work in Venezuela.
-
What is the DEC?
-
The DEC, or Disasters Emergency Committee, brings together 15 large UK charities to raise donations quickly when disasters strike overseas – such as the Venezuela earthquakes. Save the Children is a member. Find out more about the DEC.
