Japan Red Cross Society Begins Accepting Donations for 2026 Venezuela Earthquake Relief

The Japanese Red Cross Society (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; hereinafter referred to as "JRC") has begun accepting donations for the "2026 Venezuela Earthquake Relief Fund" starting today, June 30, 2026 (Tue), in response to the damage caused by two earthquakes, magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, that struck north-central Venezuela in South America on June 24, 2026, local time.

Donations received will be used for relief and recovery support activities for disaster victims, as well as disaster prevention and mitigation activities, conducted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (hereinafter referred to as "IFRC"), the International Committee of the Red Cross (hereinafter referred to as "ICRC"), the Venezuelan Red Cross (hereinafter referred to as "Venezuelan Red Cross"), and the JRC.

We kindly ask for your warm support.

Venezuelan Red Cross rescue team carrying an injured person on a stretcher immediately after the earthquake.

1. Relief Fund Name

2026 Venezuela Earthquake Relief Fund

2. Acceptance Period

June 30, 2026 (Tue) - September 30, 2026 (Wed)

3. Acceptance Account

(1) Japan Post Bank / Post Office

Account Number: 00110-2-5606

Account Name: Japanese Red Cross Society (NIHONSEKIJUJISHA)

* Please clearly write "2026 Venezuela Earthquake Relief Fund" in the communication field. * If you wish to receive a receipt, please also write "Receipt Request".

(2) City Banks

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Suzuran Branch, Ordinary Deposit: 2787811

Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Yamabiko Branch, Ordinary Deposit: 2105815

Mizuho Bank, Kunugi Branch, Ordinary Deposit: 0623714

Account Name for all banks: "Japanese Red Cross Society (NIHONSEKIJUJISHA)"

* Separate contact is required if you wish to receive a receipt. * For details, please visit our website. Website (Regarding Receipts): https://www.jrc.or.jp/contribute/receipt/

4. Use of Overseas Relief Funds

Relief and recovery support activities for disaster victims, disaster prevention and mitigation activities, etc., conducted by IFRC, ICRC, Venezuelan Red Cross, and JRC.

Overview of Damage from the Venezuela Earthquake

According to local authorities, two strong earthquakes, magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck around 6:00 PM local time on June 24, 2026, resulting in at least 1,450 deaths, over 3,100 injuries, and over 12,700 people displaced as of June 28 (UN announcement). The damage is particularly severe in La Guaira state and the capital city of Caracas, with many residents unable to return to their homes and spending anxious times outdoors in squares and sports fields. Amidst over 500 aftershocks, rescue operations for those trapped under rubble are ongoing, and the impact on social infrastructure such as electricity, water, communication, transportation, and medical services is widening, raising concerns about expanding humanitarian needs.

A region in La Guaira state where multiple buildings have been severely damaged and debris is scattered around.

Venezuelan Red Cross Relief Activities

The Venezuelan Red Cross, with 41 branches nationwide, 700 staff members, and over 3,000 volunteers, is providing a wide range of humanitarian assistance, including search and rescue, medical services, water supply and sanitation, distribution of relief supplies, and family reunification support.

In response to the earthquake, an emergency response headquarters was established immediately after the event, and in cooperation with IFRC, search and rescue, medical assistance, and evacuation support are being implemented. In terms of medical care, in addition to first aid, emergency transport, and referrals to medical institutions, psychosocial support (mental care) is also being provided. In La Guaira state, which has suffered particularly severe damage, emergency medical stations and tent-type field hospitals have been set up due to the strain on the medical system, with doctors, nurses, and psychologists providing medical treatment. Over 2,000 requests have been received for a dedicated hotline for confirming the whereabouts of missing persons. Support for daily life, such as water supply, information provision, and charging of mobile phones, is also being provided to disaster victims.

Despite significant damage to the headquarters building of the Venezuelan Red Cross, many staff and volunteers continue their relief activities while being disaster victims themselves.

Search and rescue operations in the affected area. Understanding the damage situation and coordinating support in cooperation with residents.

An emergency medical station in La Guaira state transporting rescued injured individuals.

Response by National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Amidst ongoing communication disruptions preventing contact with family members, Red Cross societies in 10 countries – Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, Chile, Panama, Paraguay, Honduras, and Mexico – have begun providing Restoring Family Links (RFL*1) services.

Furthermore, the German Red Cross and the Colombian Red Cross are working as a joint team with the Venezuelan Red Cross to assess damage and provide logistics support on the ground. Other national Red Cross societies are also securing personnel and equipment according to needs.

*1 RFL (Restoring Family Links)

IFRC and ICRC Response

IFRC immediately allocated 2 million Swiss francs (approximately 400 million yen) from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF*2). Subsequently, on June 26, an emergency appeal for 50 million Swiss francs (approximately 10 billion yen) was launched to support approximately 300,000 people through relief and recovery efforts by the International Red Cross, primarily led by the Venezuelan Red Cross. This support aims to provide emergency medical care, shelter assistance, water and sanitation support, cash assistance, and also medium-term support for rebuilding homes and livelihoods.

In addition, 17 tons of relief supplies were promptly delivered to the site via a charter flight from Panama, and specialized staff in disaster response, health, and public relations have begun coordination and collaboration on the ground.

ICRC has been active in Venezuela and the Caribbean region since the 1970s, working with the local Red Cross and authorities on health, water and sanitation, livelihoods, protection of detainees, family reunification, and the dissemination of international humanitarian law. In response to the earthquake, chlorine tablets for water purification and body bags were promptly provided to the Venezuelan Red Cross and local authorities to support the provision of safe water and the dignified handling of the deceased. In La Guaira state, water purification facilities are being installed and water supply to hospitals is being supported. These efforts significantly contribute to the prevention of infectious diseases and the maintenance of public health.

*2 DREF (Disaster Response Emergency Fund)

JRC Response

In response to IFRC's emergency appeal, the JRC is preparing to provide financial assistance of 10 million yen. The JRC will continue to monitor the damage situation on the ground and coordinate information gathering and support in collaboration with the Venezuelan Red Cross, IFRC, ICRC, and national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.

A Venezuelan Red Cross volunteer comforting and speaking to a boy living in temporary shelter outdoors.

Inquiries about Donations

Partnership Promotion Department Tel: 03-4363-2056

(Weekdays 9:00 - 17:30, closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and year-end/New Year holidays)