Venezuela is once again in a state of national emergency, and this time not for political reasons. The South American country was struck on Wednesday night (June 24) by twin earthquakes that caused the collapse of multiple buildings, primarily in the coastal region of La Guaira, north of Caracas, as well as in the capital city.
The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes are among the strongest to hit Venezuela in more than a century, and were felt across the region, according to the Associated Press. By midday Thursday (June 25), the news agency reported at least 164 fatal victims while “many more were feared dead.”
On social media, videos shared by hundreds of users showed the magnitude of the tragedy, with people fleeing buildings and shopping centers in terror during the quake and rescue teams later working to extract survivors and victims from the rubble. Others were desperately pleading for help in finding family members.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the first of the two earthquakes, with a magnitude of 7.2, occurred west of Morón, on the Caribbean coast, about 105 miles west of Caracas, at a depth of about 14 miles, AP informed. Just a minute later, the USGS reported a second quake, this one with a magnitude of 7.5, a depth of about 6 miles and an epicenter located 10 miles southwest of Morón.
Several nations have offered to send aid to Venezuela, including the United States, which earlier this year captured former president Nicolás Maduro in a surprise military operation.
Meanwhile, a growing number of organizations, businesses and even musicians are taking steps to raise funds and provide assistance to those affected. Below is a list of ways you can help, in alphabetical order.
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Global Empowerment Mission
The Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) is mobilizing in response to the developing situation in Venezuela in partnership with the We Love Foundation (formerly known as I Love Venezuela).
“Our reconnaissance and emergency response team is deploying immediately and is expected to be on the ground by Friday to assess needs, coordinate with local partners, and begin response operations,” it says on its website. “Please keep the people of Venezuela in your thoughts during this challenging time.”
To make a donation, click here.
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International Federation of the Red Cross
The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) said on Thursday (June 25) in a press release that the Venezuelan Red Cross is operational and responding, with its “nationwide network of hospitals and polyclinics active […] although it has reported critical damage to its own National Headquarters.”
“The National Society has activated rescue teams to support evacuation and search efforts and deployed four assessment teams overnight to carry out rapid evaluations in the worst-affected areas, while mobilizing prepositioned relief supplies,” the organization said, noting that “while assessments continue, the most urgent anticipated needs are search and rescue, emergency shelter for families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed, and emergency health care, including trauma care and psychosocial support.”
To donate to the IFRC, click here.
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Save the Children
The international organization Save the Children says it is responding with urgency to the catastrophe.
“Rescuers are racing to free people trapped in rubble after two massive Venezuela earthquakes have struck,” according to the webpage dedicated to its efforts in the Latin American nation. “Children should be protected in the aftermath of disaster and in the midst of crisis. That’s why Save the Children is helping children around the world to prepare for and recover from disasters, from earthquakes to extreme flooding.”
To donate to their efforts, click here.
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The House Project
Founded by Ricardo Montaner and his family nearly 20 years ago, this initiative known as The House Project since October 2022 has the mission to reach underserved populations and address their most pressing needs.
“Venezuela needs us today. Let’s be a light for the families affected by the earthquake in Venezuela. Together, we can bring hope, relief, and support to those who needs it most,” says on its homepage, with an invitation to “donate here“.
In a video published on Thursday on his social media, Montaner said: “When you realize the magnitude of what is happening, you want to take action. We have taken action as a family, first by praying for the Venezuelan people and for everyone affected by what is happening. [And] on the other hand… we have a family initiative called The House Project.”
“We have been working in Venezuela for years,” added his wife, Marlene Rodríguez. “Right now, we are fundraising and determining where those donations will go. For example: to the people helping clear debris, to those left homeless, to people with small children who need diapers — that immediate aid needed today.”
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UNICEF
UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, provides humanitarian aid to children and mothers in developing countries.
“Two devastating earthquakes have killed and injured hundreds in Venezuela. UNICEF is rushing emergency support to provide relief to children and their families,” the organization states on its website, warning that “every emergency puts children and the systems that keep them safe at risk.”
To donate to this initiative, click here.
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We Love Foundation
We Love Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to channeling global resources toward health, education and social development. It collaborates with local nonprofit organizations worldwide, providing essential resources such as disaster relief, shoes for students and vocational training. “Our mission is to give people more love and opportunity,” it says on its website.
Currently, it is raising funds through Go Fund Me to help victims in the South American country. “Venezuela needs our help now. After a devastating earthquake, We Love Foundation Inc., formerly I Love Venezuela Foundation, is launching an emergency relief campaign to support affected families and communities,” the campaign page states.
“For the last 13 years, our foundation has worked through trusted collaborations with global partners such as GEM (Global Empowerment Mission) and several local Venezuelan nonprofits,” it adds. “Together with our local volunteers and on-the-ground organizations, we will help deliver emergency aid where it is needed most: food, water, medical support, hygiene kits, shelter supplies, logistics, and direct support for vulnerable families. Please donate and share.”
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World Central Kitchen
The nonprofit organization founded in 2010 by renowned chef José Andrés provides food to people affected by natural disasters, humanitarian crises and armed conflicts around the world. On Thursday (June 25), it announced that it is heading to Venezuela to assist after the devastation caused by the earthquakes.
“WCK is mobilizing to serve hot meals to affected families and first responders as quickly as possible,” it states on its website, recalling that the organization has led various efforts in Venezuela in the past — the most recent being in 2024 when Sucre state was struck by Hurricane Beryl.
To donate to World Central Kitchen, click here.
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