Dear Friend,

A powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck northern Venezuela on Wednesday evening, followed less than a minute later by a second, even stronger 7.5-magnitude quake.

Homes and buildings have collapsed across affected areas, including the country's capital, Caracas. Initial reports indicate that over 150 people have been killed and hundreds more injured, with those figures almost certain to rise as rescue workers continue searching for survivors.

Families are in urgent need of shelter, safe water and medical care. Local UNICEF teams are on the ground rushing lifesaving support to children and families — but more help is urgently needed as the scale of this devastating disaster unfolds.

This latest disaster comes on top of a severe economic crisis and political turmoil in Venezuela. Soaring inflation has left families unable to afford food, medicine and other essentials. Children in marginalized communities face multiple and worsening deprivations — malnutrition, preventable diseases, violence and exploitation — while overstretched services struggle to respond.  

UNICEF has worked across Venezuela for decades, combining lifesaving assistance with systems strengthening across health, nutrition, child protection, safe water, sanitation and hygiene and disaster preparedness. UNICEF is ready to support response efforts and help reach the urgent needs of children affected by this disaster.

Will you make a gift today to help UNICEF rush aid to children? >>

Thank you for being there for children, 

UNICEF USA