The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) issued a stark warning on Tuesday regarding the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Venezuelan regions ravaged by the June 24 earthquakes. The crisis is marked by severe food shortages, a breakdown of essential services, and thousands of people being forced to sleep in streets and public spaces.
"The humanitarian situation in affected areas has quickly worsened," stated Carlotta Wolf, UNHCR spokesperson, during a press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.
Field assessments conducted on June 26 and 27 across five states—La Guaira, Distrito Capital, Miranda, Aragua, and Carabobo—revealed the disaster's extensive impact: 75% of those surveyed reported injuries in their communities, while 56% confirmed fatalities.
The Dire State of Housing
The housing situation remains critical. According to Wolf, "Half of the assessed individuals are taking refuge in the homes of relatives or neighbors, while 39% remain in streets and public spaces. The rest are in churches, schools, or makeshift structures lacking basic protection, privacy, or hygiene standards."
One of the most alarming findings is the condition of children: 17% of respondents noted the presence of unaccompanied minors or children separated from their families. The UNHCR-led Protection Cluster has initiated a campaign to identify, locate, and reunite these families, addressing this crisis within a crisis.
Staggering Human and Material Losses
Official figures released by Jorge Rodríguez, president of the Venezuelan National Assembly, as of June 29 reported 1,719 deaths, at least 5,034 injuries, and 15,866 displaced individuals. However, these numbers starkly contrast with international estimates: the UN suggests up to 50,000 missing persons, while the citizen platform Encuéntralos records between 55,000 and 60,000 unaccounted for individuals.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has estimated that 6.76 million people were affected by the earthquakes, including approximately two million residents of Caracas. The material damage is equally catastrophic: 189 structures completely collapsed, and 666 suffered partial collapses or severe damage.
Compounding an Existing Humanitarian Challenge
The crisis exacerbates a pre-existing severe humanitarian situation in Venezuela, with 7.9 million people in need of assistance, 56% of the population living in extreme poverty, and decades of infrastructure decay under the socialist regime. Tom Fletcher, UN's Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator, described the situation as "truly terrifying devastation."
To address the emergency, UNHCR is ramping up its on-ground response by transporting supplies from its warehouse in Táchira to La Guaira and mobilizing over twenty tons of humanitarian aid from its global reserves in Panama. Caritas, a UNHCR partner, has also established a donation reception and storage center at the Episcopal Conference facilities.
The agency estimates it needs $14.85 million to ensure protection services, basic necessities, and temporary shelter for 30,000 people over six months, illustrating the vast effort required to stabilize a situation that, according to the UN, worsens by the hour.
Understanding Venezuela's Humanitarian Crisis
What are the main causes of the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela?
The crisis is primarily caused by natural disasters like earthquakes, compounded by long-standing economic mismanagement and infrastructure decay under the socialist regime.
How is the international community responding to the crisis?
Organizations like UNHCR and IOM are mobilizing resources and aid, while collaborating with local partners to provide immediate relief and long-term support.
What are the most urgent needs in Venezuela right now?
Immediate needs include food, shelter, medical care, and family reunification efforts, particularly for vulnerable children and those displaced by the crisis.