Venezuela Earthquake: MSF Begins Delivering Emergency Trauma Kits to Affected Hospitals, Prepares for Further Needs

Buildings damaged by the earthquake in the capital Caracas = June 25, 2026 C MSF

Local authorities in Venezuela reported on June 27 that a magnitude 7+ earthquake that struck southern Venezuela on June 24 has killed 1,430 people and injured more than 3,200. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is delivering emergency trauma kits to hospitals in the capital Caracas and in La Guaira state, one of the hardest-hit areas, while preparing to expand activities, including mental health care.

Survivors forced to live on the streets

People remain trapped under rubble, and the death toll is expected to rise. Thousands have lost their homes and are living in evacuation centers, while damaged infrastructure continues to disrupt communications.

Harima Hussein, MSF's medical coordinator, said, "Many people cannot return home and are staying outdoors in places like plazas. Some are living on the streets with nothing but a backpack. Local municipalities are trying to open shelters in schools and baseball fields."

Widespread damage to hospitals

Numerous hospitals and medical facilities have suffered severe damage. On June 25, MSF delivered over 200 emergency trauma kits to Jose Maria Vargas Hospital in La Guaira state, one of the facilities most affected by the earthquake. On the following day, June 26, MSF delivered additional kits to the same hospital, as well as to Domingo Luciani Hospital and Perez Carreño Hospital in Caracas.

These emergency trauma kits are specifically designed to treat life-threatening injuries such as severe bleeding, open chest trauma, and airway obstruction. Unlike standard first aid kits intended for minor wounds, these kits prioritize rapid control of acute hemorrhage.

Delivering emergency trauma kits from Caracas to hospitals in La Guaira = June 25, 2026 C MSF

Preparing to provide mental health care

Psychological support for survivors is also critical. While mental health assistance is often deprioritized during emergencies, MSF is assessing local response capacity and preparing to provide psychological care as needed.

Local authorities and multiple organizations are already responding in the affected areas. MSF is closely coordinating with the Ministry of Health and local partner organizations to prepare for further needs.

MSF has been operating in Venezuela since 2015, providing medical aid in Delta Amacuro and Anzoátegui states in recent years. Although these areas were not directly affected by the earthquake, MSF is transporting emergency medical supplies from these project sites to the disaster zones and has prepared systems to deploy staff if necessary.