On June 24, communities across Venezuela were shaken by two major earthquakes, including one of the strongest to ever strike the country. A thousand aftershocks followed, toppling apartment buildings and destroying infrastructure across the northwestern part of the country.
The earthquakes rattled the country in the midst of a complex political situation that is exacerbating the country’s ongoing economic and humanitarian needs. By December 2025, it was estimated at 7.9 million people within the country in need of humanitarian assistance.
Through it all, HIAS has worked in Venezuela for 18 years, helping Venezuelans and refugees alike to rebuild their lives with dignity. In that time, we have supported thousands of people with mental health care, protection and violence prevention programs, and other community-based initiatives.
Read on to learn more about the current situation for people in need of humanitarian assistance in Venezuela.
What has been the impact of the earthquakes on people in Venezuela and how is HIAS responding?
Since the earthquakes struck, more than 5,200 people have died and 16,700 are injured. While more than 6,000 people have been rescued, potentially thousands remain missing. Additionally, nearly 18,000 people have lost their homes. This mass displacement is deepening housing insecurity for people already impacted by years of economic hardship. The earthquakes have exacerbated the needs of people who are already facing significant challenges in accessing basic services and economic opportunities.
Survivors need health care and mental health support, shelter, water and sanitation services, food, and protection services. Many are concerned about where they will live in the future with so much housing destroyed.
In response to the crisis, HIA Venezuela began assessing needs, coordinating with the humanitarian system, authorities and other partners, to respond in communities where needs are greatest.
HIAS’ immediate efforts are focused on pivoting our existing programming to deliver mental health care, case management services and in-kind assistance to the most vulnerable cases at temporary shelter locations. We are also training authorities and partners in providing Psychological First Aid (PFA), including providing support for caregivers. We are working in shelters and communities in the Capital District and Miranda and La Guaira states.
HIAS Venezuela is also coordinating with local Jewish communities, who are providing emergency assistance, including securing donations of water, food, and other in-kind items to distribute to people affected by the earthquakes.
As the situation evolves, HIAS will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to survivors where it is needed most.
Your support matters
Your donation will empower HIAS to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced people where and when it’s needed most.
What is the current humanitarian situation for people in Venezuela?
Years of economic challenges have created persistent needs for food, medicine, and essential services in Venezuela. Critical needs include health care, food and nutrition, education, and water and sanitation systems. People also need protection services, including child protection, prevention and response to violence against women and girls, and mental health support.
A high proportion of the population experiences moderate to severe food insecurity, and poverty affects more than half of Venezuelans, while high prices and low wages mean many families struggle to afford basic necessities and generate income.
Despite the uncertain political and economic context and severe cuts to global humanitarian aid, organizations like HIAS are working to meet the growing needs of Venezuelans and respond to the new emergency caused by the earthquakes.
How does HIAS support refugees and internally displaced people in Venezuela?
Since 2007, HIAS has helped refugees and Venezuelans with mental health care, legal support, child protection, economic assistance, and work to end violence against women and girls.
HIAS Venezuela supports groups that face greater risks, such as women-led households, children and adolescents, survivors of violence, people in transit or returning home, the elderly, people with disabilities, people from indigenous communities, and others. HIAS works in the Capital District (Caracas) and in the states of Miranda, La Guaira, Zulia, Táchira, Apure, Delta Amacuro, and Bolívar.
HIAS participates in the humanitarian coordination system and partners with organizations at international, national, and local levels, coordinating efforts with public institutions and communities.
Learn more about our work in Venezuela here.
Your support matters
Your donation will empower HIAS to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced people where and when it’s needed most.
