Preliminary estimates reflect the enormous impact of the disaster as rescue and assistance efforts continue
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The UN estimates that up to 6.8 million people may have been affected by the earthquakes that shook Venezuela on June 24, a figure that reflects the enormous scale of the tragedy. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned that the disaster will have a large-scale humanitarian impact and that international assistance will be key in the coming months.
Preliminary estimates from the organization indicate that nearly two million of those affected are in Caracas, while the coastal areas of La Guaira state are experiencing some of the most severe damage. According to a satellite analysis conducted in conjunction with Microsoft AI for Good Lab, 31.5% of the buildings in Catia La Mar suffered damage, an indicator that helped identify priority areas for aid distribution.
Coastal areas of the state of La Guaira
The Director General of the IOM, Amy Pope, stated that the first hours following a disaster are crucial for saving lives and reducing the subsequent impact. In this regard, she explained that temporary shelters, essential items, and other basic supplies have already begun to be distributed, while the organization works alongside Venezuelan authorities and other UN agencies to expand assistance to the affected population.
The organization also warned that the emergency will not end when the rescue operations conclude. Thousands of families have lost their homes and will require housing, drinking water, healthcare, sanitation, and protection for an extended period. Additionally, it warned that internal displacement will increase in the coming days as the affected seek safe areas.
In light of this scenario, the IOM has called on the international community to strengthen humanitarian support and accelerate the delivery of resources. As explained, reconstruction will require sustained investments to restore housing, infrastructure, and essential services, as well as to allow communities to regain their livelihoods.
Army rescuers are already operating in the state of La Guaira with specialized equipment
Venezuelan authorities reported that rescue teams from ten other countries will arrive in the coming hours to reinforce operations. The emergency continues due to the seismic activity following the main earthquake: the Venezuelan Foundation for Seismological Research recorded at least 20 aftershocks, while the United States Geological Survey reported a new earthquake of magnitude 4.7 during the early hours of Saturday.
In this context, Argentina is part of the international assistance operation launched after the catastrophe. The Government of Javier Milei sent a contingent of rescuers from the Argentine Army who are already working in La Guaira state, one of the regions most affected by the earthquakes
