The Australian Government will provide $2 million in humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June 2026.
The two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 struck west of Caracas causing widespread damage. Thousands of people have been injured or have lost their lives and communities have been displaced. Acting president Delcy Rodríguez declared a state of emergency. With the destruction of homes and critical infrastructure, an estimated two million people are in need humanitarian assistance. Urban search and rescue teams from around the world have deployed to assist with rescue efforts.
The earthquakes exacerbate an already serious humanitarian situation resulting from Venezuela's economic situation.
Australia's humanitarian assistance
Australia is providing $2 million in humanitarian assistance. Australia's funding will contribute to emergency food, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, and psychosocial support. Funding will assist first responders, local authorities and humanitarian partners with transport, storage, coordination and logistics. Our assistance will be delivered through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the United Nations World Food Programme.
Australia is also contributing to the response through the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the IFRC's Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). The CERF has released US$15 million to address urgent needs. Australia contributes $11 million annually to the CERF. The DREF has released $3.6 million to support immediate relief efforts. Australia has provided $6 million to the DREF since 2024.
How you can help
The most effective way Australians can help is to give a cash donation to one of the Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) appealing for support.
The Australian Government works closely with the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID). Australian NGOs who are ACFID members are required to comply with the ACFID Code of Conduct, which sets standards for governance, accountability and transparency.
Australians wishing to contribute can find further information on ACFID's website.
Unfortunately, managing donations of goods often increases the burden on local relief authorities and creates costs for affected countries in transport, warehousing and distribution. For more information please visit Overseas Emergencies & Responsible Donating.
Media releases and statements
2 July 2026 Humanitarian assistance in response to earthquakes in Venezuela. Joint media release with Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs.