Press Release
June 25, 2026 • 1 min read
GOA is assessing the humanitarian impact and working with local partners following two powerful earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday evening.
A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck shortly after 6pm local time (11pm Irish time), followed less than a minute later by a second, even stronger earthquake measuring magnitude 7.5.
Critical infrastructure, homes and public buildings in Caracas and surrounding areas have suffered extensive damage. With search and rescue efforts continuing, there are concerns the death toll could rise significantly as the full extent of the devastation becomes clear.
Phil Gelman, GOAL’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, said:
“As local communities celebrated their country’s independence, this could not have come at a worse time for the people of Venezuela. Families who have already endured years of humanitarian and economic hardship are now facing another devastating crisis, while a health system already under immense pressure is being pushed even further.
These first few days are critical. Families have lost loved ones, homes and any sense of certainty about what tomorrow will bring.
Behind every number is a family desperately searching for loved ones, wondering where they will sleep tonight and how they will begin to rebuild.
GOAL’s team are working with local partners to assess the damage and identify the most urgent humanitarian needs. As the full scale of the devastation becomes clearer, we stand ready to provide life-saving support to those affected.”
GOAL has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to support communities affected by the earthquakes. To donate or learn more please visit goalglobal.org/venezuela
