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Venezuela Earthquake: What to Know Right Now

  • Two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck central Venezuela, causing widespread destruction across several states. The earthquakes have killed nearly 600 people, injured 4,520 more, and affected more than 70,000 families in La Guaira alone.
     
  • More than 250 buildings have collapsed, transport systems and the international airport have been disrupted, and power and communications outages are hampering rescue efforts. Many people are still feared trapped beneath the rubble.
     
  • Save the Children has released $1.5 million from the Children's Emergency Fund and is working with local partners to provide healthcare, shelter, food, child protection and other lifesaving support. We aim to reach 200,000 people, including 100,000 children.

7.5

Magnitude of the strongest earthquake to hit

589

People reported killed by the earthquakes

5 Million

Children already in need of humanitarian aid before the earthquake

How Have Children in Venezuela Been Impacted by the Earthquake?

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Children have lost safe places to live
Many children have lost their homes and are now sheltering outside with nowhere safe to go.

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Children face increased protection risks 
Some children have been separated from their families during the chaos, leaving them at greater risk of exploitation, abuse and trafficking. 

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Essential services have been disrupted 
. Children urgently need access to shelter, nutritious food, clean water, healthcare and emotional support.

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“There is devastation and destruction everywhere you look and many children and families, including here in Caracas, have been forced to spend another night sheltering in open spaces." 

- Fatima Andraca, Save the Children’s Country Director in Venezuela

Save the Children's Work in Venezuela

Every day, Save the Children works alongside children, families, and communities to ensure children are safe, healthy, educated, and able to thrive. Our programs protect children from violence, exploitation and neglect while supporting their mental health and well-being. 

We help children stay in school by creating safe learning environments, training teachers and providing educational supplies.

We strengthen health and nutrition services for mothers and young children, train caregivers in healthy feeding practices, and expand access to primary  health care. 

At the same time, we help families meet their basic needs through food security and livelihoods programs that build resilience, support youth employment, and improve access to nutritious food for tens of thousands of people.

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FAQs and How To Help Children in Venezuela

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other, causing widespread damage and leaving families in urgent need. Homes have been destroyed, services disrupted, and many communities remain without reliable power or communication. The full scale of the impact is still emerging as assessments continue.

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The earthquakes impacted communities across Venezuela, with severe damage reported in multiple affected areas. As assessments continue and access improves, response teams are working to understand the full scope of the disaster and deliver aid to families in the hardest-hit communities.

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Children are among the most vulnerable in this crisis. Many have been forced to flee their homes and are now living without safe shelter, clean water or consistent access to food. Some children have been separated from their families in the chaos and may be alone, frightened and at risk. Disasters like this can also have lasting emotional impacts on children, making protection and support critical from the very beginning.

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Families affected by the earthquakes urgently need: 

  • Safe shelter
  • Clean drinking water
  • Food and nutrition support
  • Medical care
  • Hygiene supplies
  • Protection and emotional support for children

Needs are evolving as more information becomes available and additional communities are reached.

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Save the Children is working with trusted local partners to reach children and families in the hardest-hit communities. We are:

  • Providing emergency food, clean water and health services.
  • Supporting safe shelter for displaced families
  • Protecting children who have been separated from caregivers
  • Delivering critical relief supplies 

Save The Children has been working in Venezuela since 2018. We know these communities and how to respond quickly and effectively in times of crisis, and we’ll continue showing up as families recover.

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You can make a lifesaving difference by donating to the Children's Emergency Fund today. Your support helps provide essentials like food, water, shelter and medical care, while also protecting children from harm during this crisis.

  • $55 can help provide lifesaving treatment for a child
  • $105 can help feed a family for a month
  • $150 can provide essential hygiene supplies 

Every gift helps put children first.

 

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Yes. Save the Children is committed to supporting children before, during and after emergencies. We will continue working with local partners to help families recover and rebuild, ensuring children have access to the care and support they need over time.

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Charity reviewer Charity Watch badge recognizing Save the Children as a top-rated charity organization.

Save the Children has a proven track record of using donations efficiently and effectively to change children's lives. We are proud to have received an A- rating from CharityWatch and a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest score possible from America’s leading independent charity evaluator. 

This recognition reflects our long-standing commitment to ethical governance, transparent operations, and fiscally responsible use of donor support.

Updated: June 26, 2026