In just a few minutes, Maria and her family's lives were turned completely upside down. In this video, she talks about the night the earth shook in Venezuela and the help she and her family received after the disaster.
Current Situation in Venezuela
Two major earthquakes struck northwestern Venezuela on June 24, 2026. The second, shallower quake in particular caused massive damage across large parts of the country. Even in the capital, Caracas – more than 150 kilometers from the epicenter – buildings were destroyed and severe damage was reported.
The state of La Guaira was hardest hit, with key infrastructure such as the international airport and a major port affected. According to official figures, almost 5,000 people have lost their lives, more than 16,500 have been injured and almost 18,000 have lost their homes (as at 16 July 2026).
The earthquakes have struck a country that was already under severe strain before the disaster: About 70 percent of the population lives in poverty. Infrastructure and medical care were already weakened in many places, which makes responding to the disaster even more difficult. Even before the earthquakes, approximately eight million people—about a quarter of the population—were dependent on humanitarian aid; this number is likely to rise further.
How does humedica help in Venezuela?
Together with its partner organization, the Lutheran World Federation Venezuela, humedica is providing urgently needed emergency aid to those affected. Among other things, the following are planned or currently being prepared:
Here's How You Can Help
Diese Kinder aus Venezuela erzählen von ihren Träumen und ihrem Wunsch nach einem sicheren Zuhause.