Last updated: 03/07/2026
Venezuela was hit by two of the strongest earthquakes in over a century, measuring 7.5 and 7.2 magnitudes, on 24 June. Reports indicate that thousands of people have died, with tens of thousands injured or missing. These figures are sadly likely to increase in the days and weeks to come.
The British Red Cross is a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which launches appeals during times of monumental suffering, as we are seeing now in Venezuela. People have lost everything with many desperately searching for missing family and loved ones. The Red Cross continues to support the response to the Venezuela earthquakes, helping rescue efforts and planning for long-term humanitarian support including the need for clean water, food and safe shelter.
DEC member charities, including the British Red Cross, are supporting the response right now across the affected region. But we need your help – the more money we can raise, the more people we can reach with vital support.
The best way to support people affected by the Venezuela earthquakes, is by donating to the Venezuela Earthquake Appeal today. This is a safe and trusted way to get support to people quickly.
We have been supporting the response to the earthquakes in Venezuela from the start of the disaster working with Red Cross emergency teams on the ground. By donating today, you can help us continue supporting people and respond immediately as needs evolve.
Alexander Pendry, Head of Emergencies, Logistics & Surge at the British Red Cross, said:
“Red Cross estimates that almost 10 million people could have been affected by these earthquakes with around 500,000 of these needing urgent humanitarian assistance.”
In any emergency, every second counts and your donations allow us to act fast to provide critical aid and relief.
The British Red Cross is part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, working with teams on the ground in Venezuela to support people affected by the earthquakes.
We work closely with the Venezuelan Red Cross Society (VRCS), which has activated its emergency response and is providing urgent humanitarian assistance. As an established organisation, we can ensure aid reaches people in need as quickly and effectively as possible.
The ongoing efforts of the VCRS include:
Search and rescue teams working to locate survivors and support the loved ones of those missing.
Delivery of 17 tonnes of humanitarian aid.
Emergency medical care with ambulances deployed and hospitals treating the injured.
One field hospital and two first aid stations set up to increase capacity and relieve pressure on services. Over 700 people have already been supported by the hospital.
Preparing shelter for people displaced or unable to return home safely.
Psychosocial support and family tracing services for affected people.
Continued needs assessments to guide response scale-up.
For more information about how the VRCS and other societies have been supporting people read our latest updates.
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The Venezuela Earthquake Appeal will support people in areas affected and those potentially affected in the future by this crisis. In the event there are surplus funds raised these will be used for the general charitable purposes of the British Red Cross. Gift Aid recovered on donations received to this appeal, and any income earned on funds held (such as bank interest), will fund the whole of our work.
Photo © Federico Parra / AFP / Getty Images