Three Weeks After Venezuela Earthquake: Children's Needs Remain Critical as UNICEF Expands Health, Nutrition, and WASH Support [Press Release]

Children playing in a UNICEF 'Child-Friendly Space' set up at a shelter (Venezuela, July 1, 2026) © UNICEF/UN0882839/Meza

[Caracas/New York, July 14, 2026]

Approximately three weeks have passed since two earthquakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck Venezuela’s north-central coastal region on June 24. This is the largest seismic event in Venezuela in over 100 years. Official reports state that more than 4,561 people have died, 16,740 have been injured, and over 1,200 aftershocks have been recorded since the initial quake.

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The damage spans the Capital District, La Guaira, Miranda, Carabobo, Aragua, Falcón, and Yaracuy states, with the most severe impacts reported in La Guaira state.

UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) is currently providing emergency assistance to approximately 470,000 people—including 169,000 children—across health, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), child protection, education, and social protection sectors.

A boy washing his face at a water point installed in a shelter (Venezuela, July 5, 2026) © UNICEF/UN0886716/Segovia

As damage assessments continue, humanitarian needs remain extensive. At least 856 buildings have been damaged, with 190 completely collapsed. In the Capital District, about one-third of all schools—approximately 432—have been damaged. With the new academic year set to begin in September, reopening schools currently being used as shelters is an urgent priority.

Additionally, around 19,600 people are sheltering in 108 temporary camps. Amid more than 1,200 aftershocks, many children and families remain in unstable and distressing conditions.

UNICEF continues life-saving interventions on the ground in coordination with the Venezuelan government, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners. To date, at least 82 metric tons of emergency supplies—including health kits, water purification and storage equipment, and materials to support infant and child development—have been delivered.

Below are examples of key interventions implemented by UNICEF so far:

- Daily delivery of 80,000 liters of safe water to three high-priority shelters in La Guaira state. Hygiene kits have been distributed to 1,735 households, benefiting over 6,900 people.

- Mobile health teams have provided basic health services—including vaccinations—to more than 3,100 people. Additional vaccines arrived on July 12, aiming to immunize 127,000 people. Preparations are underway to transport 1 million doses of tetanus vaccine, 25,000 doses of measles vaccine, and 200,000 doses of oral polio vaccine.

- Medical supplies have been delivered to 198 health facilities.

- Four 'Child-Friendly Spaces' have been established in temporary shelters in La Guaira state, providing psychosocial support and recreational activities to over 890 children and adolescents. Mental health support has also been provided to over 360 parents and caregivers.

- Acute malnutrition screening has been conducted for 756 children, and nutritional counseling and support has been provided to over 160 pregnant and lactating women.

- Twelve child protection teams have been deployed to identify children in need of assistance and refer them to specialized services in coordination with Venezuelan authorities.

- Mental health support kits capable of assisting approximately 20,000 people have been delivered. Training on emergency psychosocial care has been conducted for 190 mental health professionals.

- Lactation spaces have been set up in three temporary shelters. Training on emergency education and psychological first aid has been provided to 250 education personnel, and psychosocial support has been delivered to 80 teachers.

UNICEF is leading the coordination of humanitarian response in WASH, nutrition, and education (co-leading education), and serves as the lead agency for child protection. This earthquake response is part of the United Nations Humanitarian Response Plan, which requires $298 million to assist 1.3 million people across seven affected states.

A girl receiving a UNICEF-supported vaccination at a shelter (Venezuela, July 5, 2026) © UNICEF/UN0886687/

However, additional funding is urgently needed to sustain support for children. In addition to the $137.6 million requested in UNICEF’s 2026 Humanitarian Action for Children appeal for Venezuela, the organization requires $65.7 million specifically for the earthquake response. To date, only $9.6 million has been secured for earthquake-related activities.

UNICEF is calling on the international community, donors, and partners to provide financial support to sustain critical services including protection, psychosocial support, health, nutrition, WASH, and emergency education. UNICEF also urges all parties to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access so that life-saving assistance reaches children and families in need.

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The Japan Committee for UNICEF is accepting emergency donations to support UNICEF’s response to the earthquake in Venezuela. We kindly request media partners to help raise awareness of the 'UNICEF Venezuela Earthquake Emergency Appeal'.

UNICEF Venezuela Earthquake Emergency Appeal: How You Can Help

We kindly ask for your support through emergency donations to deliver life-saving assistance to children and families affected by the earthquake in Venezuela.

1. By credit card, convenience store, or online banking:

https://www.unicef.or.jp/kinkyu/venezuela/

2. Via post office (Japan Post Bank):

Account Number: 00190-5-31000 Account Name: Japan Committee for UNICEF (公益財団法人 日本ユニセフ協会)

*Please write “Venezuela” in the message field.

*No transfer fee is charged when depositing at a post office counter.

*Donations to the Japan Committee for UNICEF are eligible for tax deductions under Japan’s tax system for donations to certified public interest promotion corporations. Some municipalities also allow deductions from individual resident taxes.

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About UNICEF

UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) is the United Nations agency mandated to advocate for the protection of children's rights and to help meet their basic needs. It operates in around 190 countries and territories, working with partners to turn its mission into action. UNICEF focuses especially on the most disadvantaged children, ensuring their survival, development, and protection. Its programs are funded entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals, businesses, civil society organizations, and governments. (https://www.unicef.org)

About the Japan Committee for UNICEF

The Japan Committee for UNICEF is one of 32 national committees in developed countries and regions. As the only private-sector organization representing UNICEF in Japan, it is responsible for public outreach, fundraising, and advocacy.