Venezuela Earthquakes

Photo/video used with permission from: LWF/Mas Ciudadanos via ACT Alliance
On June 24, 2026, two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela. Significant damage has been reported across northern Venezuela, including the capital city Caracas and the government of Venezuela has declared a state of emergency. Immediate impacts include loss of shelter, infrastructure, disruption of basic services, and psychosocial distress. Long-term impacts are expected to include prolonged displacement and loss of livelihoods.

As of June 30, 2026, over 1,900 have perished and thousands were injured. These numbers are expected to rise as rescue crews continue search-and-rescue efforts. More than 46,000 people remain missing.

The Global HOPE team is in working with its partners through ACT Alliance and Global Ministries to accompany those most deeply impacted by this tragedy. Members of ACT Alliance are working to provide shelter, mental health and psychosocial support services, food security and nutrition support, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) support in the immediate future and plans are being developed for long-term accompaniment and recovery support.

David Giron, Global Relations Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, reports that Venezuelan aid workers, rescue teams, and citizenry have mobilized immediately, carrying relief supplies and searching for those caught under the rubble and debris. The search and rescue effort has been impeded by significant aftershocks, including a 4.6 magnitude aftershock on June 29, 2026, off the northern coast.

While communication remains slow due to collapsed infrastructure, we will continue to provide updates as we receive them. We invite you to please continue to keep all those impacted in your prayers.

God of the broken and the buried,
Hear us as we pray in sorrow and hope.
We hold before you those whose lives have been shaken,
Let your peace, comfort and love be known to
Those who search, those who wait, and those who grieve.
Let your love be a source of light amidst the chaos of uncertainty.
In your name we pray,
Amen

You can also mail a check payable to the United Church of Christ, PO Box 71957, Cleveland, OH 44194. Please be sure to note “Venezuela Earthquakes 2026” in the memo section of your check.
Our EIN: 34-1927041