As of 28 June, provisional official figures report 1,450 people dead, 3,150 injured and more than 12,700 people displaced, while at least 2,500 infrastructures have been affected, including 38 hospitals and more than 700 buildings, particularly in La Guaira, the state most severely affected. Damage estimates now exceed US$6.7 billion, with widespread impacts on homes, critical infrastructure and essential services, disrupting electricity, water, telecommunications and transport, while MaiquetÃa International Airport remains closed to commercial flights.
The Government has declared a national state of emergency and is leading search-and-rescue operations, emergency medical assistance and damage assessments. The United Nations and humanitarian partners are supporting the Government-led response, including a coordinated multi-sectoral response in three strategic locations in La Guaira, with immediate priorities focused on search and rescue, emergency healthcare, temporary shelter and rapid infrastructure assessments. OCHA has allocated US$15 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and activated the Venezuela Humanitarian Fund (VHF) to rapidly channel resources to frontline partners. The first days after a major earthquake are the most critical for saving lives. Early, flexible funding enables responders to act immediately, before needs escalate.
Businesses and private foundations have consistently played a vital role in emergency preparedness and response. The UN encourages private sector engagement in humanitarian efforts, and OCHA’s Private Sector Unit can provide neutral advice and facilitate public-private partnerships and collaboration.
This publication provides guidance on how businesses can engage and contribute. For additional information, please contact Elisa Trujillo at elisa.trujilloleyva@un.org.