Venezuela Declares National Emergency After 7.5-Magnitude Earthquake Kills Over 900

Venezuela declared a national emergency on June 24, 2024, after two powerful earthquakes struck the country, killing at least 920 people and leaving 51,000 missing, according to the Associated Press. The 7.2-magnitude and 7.5-magnitude quakes, the strongest to hit Venezuela in over a century, caused widespread destruction in La Guaira and Caracas, with buildings collapsing and thousands displaced.

Earthquake Details and Immediate Impact

The first earthquake, measuring 7.2, occurred 105 miles west of Caracas at a depth of 14 miles, while the second, a 7.5-magnitude quake, struck 10 miles southwest of Morón at 6 miles deep, per the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The tremors were felt across the region, triggering panic as residents fled buildings and shopping centers. Rescue teams worked to extract survivors from rubble, with social media videos showing chaotic scenes of devastation.

The Venezuelan Red Cross reported critical damage to its National Headquarters, though its nationwide network of hospitals and polyclinics remained operational. The organization deployed rescue teams and assessment units to the hardest-hit areas, prioritizing search-and-rescue operations, emergency shelter, and trauma care, according to a June 25 press release.

Aid Organizations Mobilize

International and local organizations have launched relief efforts, with the U.S. and other nations offering assistance. Key initiatives include:

• Aid for Life: Focuses on food, water, and medical supplies, coordinating with local groups like Universidad Central de Venezuela students and clinics. Donate here.
• Americares: Preparing emergency medical aid, including medicines, antibiotics, and water purification kits. Donate here.
• Los Topos: A Mexican search-and-rescue group sent an operational team to Venezuela, accepting donations for supplies and equipment. Donate here.
• International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC): Mobilizing prepositioned relief supplies and prioritizing shelter and health care. Donate here.
• World Central Kitchen: Preparing to serve hot meals to affected families and first responders. Donate here.

How to Donate and Support

Donors can contribute to organizations like FUNDANA, CADENA, and Save the Children, which focus on psychological support, child protection, and emergency aid. USA for UNHCR is also matching donations up to three times for a limited period. A full list of verified relief efforts, including GlobalGiving‘s Venezuela Earthquake Relief Fund, is available for those seeking to assist.

What’s Next for Venezuela?

The scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local infrastructure, with the U.S. Geological Survey noting the quakes’ unusual depth and proximity to populated areas. As rescue efforts continue, the focus will shift to long-term recovery, including rebuilding homes and addressing the humanitarian crisis. The involvement of international organizations underscores the global response to the catastrophe, though challenges remain in reaching remote areas and ensuring aid distribution.