An estimated 3.9 million children live in the areas
affected by the powerful 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude earthquakes
that struck Venezuela on 24 June, putting thousands of
children and families at risk.
The earthquakes
affected communities in Caracas and the states of Aragua,
Carabobo, Falcón, La Guaira, Miranda and surrounding areas.
The most affected regions have seen dozens of buildings
collapse, with children reportedly among the casualties. As
authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage,
reports indicate impacts on homes, public infrastructure and
essential services, while communities remain at risk from
possible aftershocks.
“The images we are seeing from
Venezuela and the stories we hear from colleagues on the
ground are heartbreaking,” said UNICEF Executive Director
Catherine Russell. “Our thoughts are with the children and
families who have lost loved ones and all of those whose
lives have been upended. As the scale of the damage becomes
clearer, children’s safety, protection and well-being must
remain at the center of the response.”
Children are
among the most vulnerable when disasters strike. In the
hours and days ahead, affected children can face injury,
family separation, displacement, distress, and disruptions
to services including healthcare, safe water, education and
protection.
Thousands of families will require urgent
assistance as damage assessments continue. Homes, schools,
health facilities, water systems and other critical
infrastructure that may have been damaged, disrupting access
to essential services and increasing risks for children and
their caregivers.
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UNICEF is coordinating with national
authorities and partners to assess the needs of affected
populations and support response efforts to help ensure that
children and families have access to medical care,
protection services, psychosocial support, safe water, and
safe spaces.
UNICEF is on the ground and remains
committed to supporting national efforts to address the
needs of affected children and their families, particularly
the most vulnerable. Prior to the earthquakes, UNICEF’s 2026
Humanitarian Action for Children appeal for Venezuela stood
at US$137.6 million with only 35 per cent
funded.
UNICEF Aotearoa has launched an
emergency appeal. Please visit www.unicef.org.nz/appeals/venezuela-earthquake-emergency
to find out more or
donate.
