Thousands of children at risk after powerful earthquakes strike Venezuela

CARACAS/NEW YORK, 25 June 2026 – An estimated 3.9 million children live in the areas affected by the powerful 7.5 and 7.2 magnitude earthquakes that struck Venezuela on 24 June, putting thousands of children and families at risk.

The earthquakes affected communities in Caracas and the states of Aragua, Carabobo, Falcón, La Guaira, Miranda and surrounding areas. The most affected regions have seen dozens of buildings collapse, with children reportedly among the casualties. As authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage, reports indicate impacts on homes, public infrastructure and essential services, while communities remain at risk from possible aftershocks.

“The images we are seeing from Venezuela and the stories we hear from colleagues on the ground are heartbreaking," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "Our thoughts are with the children and families who have lost loved ones and all of those whose lives have been upended.  As the scale of the damage becomes clearer, children's safety, protection and well-being must remain at the center of the response.”

Children are among the most vulnerable when disasters strike. In the hours and days ahead, affected children can face injury, family separation, displacement, distress, and disruptions to services including healthcare, safe water, education and protection.

Thousands of families will require urgent assistance as damage assessments continue. Homes, schools, health facilities, water systems and other critical infrastructure that may have been damaged, disrupting access to essential services and increasing risks for children and their caregivers.

UNICEF is coordinating with national authorities and partners to assess the needs of affected populations and support response efforts to help ensure that children and families have access to medical care, protection services, psychosocial support, safe water, and safe spaces.

UNICEF is on the ground and remains committed to supporting national efforts to address the needs of affected children and their families, particularly the most vulnerable. Prior to the earthquakes, UNICEF's 2026 Humanitarian Action for Children appeal for Venezuela stood at US$137.6 million with only 35 per cent funded.

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