30-06-2026 | di COOPI

Earthquake in Venezuela: COOPI is already on the field to provide initial relief

COOPI, which has had a permanent presence in Venezuela since 2018, has mobilised since the very first hours following the devastating tremors to assist the affected communities, already exhausted by a decade-long crisis.

In the face of the catastrophe that has struck Venezuela, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale has already launched initial relief efforts. Thanks to our deep-rooted presence and thorough knowledge of the local context, our team deployed immediately to respond to the most urgent needs of the population in the worst-affected areas, including Caracas and La Guaira.

In close coordination with the competent authorities, community organisations, and technical partners, we are launching a multi-sectoral emergency response focused on protecting the most vulnerable groups, particularly women, children and elderly people.

How we are intervening: our activities on the field

To respond swiftly to the tragedy and support community resilience, COOPI's intervention is focusing on concrete, targeted actions:

Psychological first aid: specialised support for adults and children affected by the deep trauma of the earthquake and the loss of their loved ones.
Water and sanitation: distribution of hygiene kits and water purification kits, essential to prevent the spread of epidemics.
Food security: provision of basic food kits to ensure minimum nutrition for children and adults.
Protection and dignity: distribution of dignity kits containing specific items for women's needs.
Emergency shelters: delivery of essential goods and household items for collection centres and temporary accommodation for displaced people.

The severity of the situation: an emergency within an emergency

Our intervention takes place within a dramatic context. On 24 June 2026, two consecutive earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 – the most powerful to hit the country in the last century – devastated the north-central region. With over 500 aftershocks, the area remains at extremely high risk.

According to the latest official data from the United Nations (OCHA, 28 June), the overall impact affects over 16 million people. The toll is catastrophic:

Over 1,450 confirmed deaths and more than 3,150 injured.
An estimated 50,000 people currently missing.
More than 12,700 displaced people suddenly left without a home.
At least 2,501 infrastructures damaged, including 774 buildings and 38 hospitals.

In the worst-affected areas, hospitals are completely overwhelmed by the lack of medicines and medical supplies, while citizens often dig through the rubble with their bare hands.

Let's not leave the Venezuelan population alone: your help is vital

In an emergency of this scale, speed of action makes the difference between life and death. COOPI is on the ground and will not stop, but to do all this we need you. Every donation is immediately transformed into clean water, food, care, and protection for those who have lost everything.

DONATE NOW FOR THE VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKE EMERGENCY: https://dona.coopi.org/terremoto-venezuela