JAKARTA, JOURNALARTA.COM – Two powerful back-to-back earthquakes measuring M 7.2 and M 7.5, just 39 seconds apart on Wednesday night, June 24, 2026, shook the Pacific coast off Venezuela.
The disaster caused severe damage to infrastructure, brought down dozens of buildings, and triggered urgent aid needs for thousands of residents who lost homes and access to basic supplies.
In response, a number of international humanitarian groups have opened official channels for relief. Experts say cash donations are preferable to physical goods because transport routes on the ground have been badly damaged. Money can move faster, gives aid teams more flexibility, and helps deliver support where it is needed most.
Why cash donations are recommended
Field conditions make cash the practical choice. Sending boxes of supplies can take weeks, while money can be used right away to buy food, medicine, and clean water from local markets.
It also trims logistics costs. In disaster response, shipping and storage can eat up a large share of the value of donated goods.
And there is another reason. Cash lets aid groups buy what victims actually need that day, instead of guessing from afar.
Official and active donation channels
1. United Nations agencies
United Nations Venezuela Humanitarian Fund
- Official UN funds are sent directly to trusted partners on the ground to provide health care, food, clean water, and shelter.
- Full information: Miamiherald.com
UNICEF Venezuela Earthquakes Appeal
- Focuses on protecting children and affected families, including nutrition, medicine, psychosocial recovery, and special protection for children separated from parents.
- Donation page: UNICEF
2. Red Cross and Red Crescent movement
IFRC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal
- The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies works with local volunteers to run field hospitals, ambulances, and search-and-rescue teams in Caracas and La Guaira.
- Donate here: IRFC
Canadian Red Cross / British Red Cross Disaster Fund
- Raises money to send tents, blankets, hygiene kits, and medical equipment to the disaster zone.
- Visit the pages: Canadian Red Cross & British Red Cross
3. Global humanitarian groups and foundations
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)
- Based in Florida, the U.S., and working with the Venezuelan diaspora to collect logistics and receive cash donations for evacuation operations and emergency relief.
- Activity information: Visit the GEM page
GiveDirectly
- Sends aid straight to affected families’ digital wallets, allowing them to buy medicine, food, and urgent supplies based on their own needs.
- How to donate: Visit GiveDirectly
Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
- Works with the local Caritas Venezuela network to build temporary shelters and distribute food aid.
GlobalGiving Venezuela Earthquake Relief Fund
- A flexible fundraising channel that directs money to medical teams and search groups at the disaster site.
- Donation page: Visit Globalgiving
World Central Kitchen
- Led by chef José Andrés, it provides free hot meals for evacuees and rescue workers operating at the rubble sites.
What donors should check
- Use only official, listed channels to avoid scams.
- If you want to send physical goods, contact the aid group first to ask which items are needed most and when shipments can be received.
- Needs on the ground can change quickly, so keep checking updates from trusted sources.
Source: Miami Herald, UNICEF, IFRC, and reports from international humanitarian organizations, June 29, 2026
Frequently asked questions
Q: Why is money preferred over goods?
A: Because it arrives faster, costs less to deliver, and can be matched to the most urgent needs at the time.
Q: Is there an official UN channel?
Yes. The United Nations Venezuela Humanitarian Fund and UNICEF are both active, with UNICEF focused on children and families.
Q: How can I make sure my donation reaches the right people?
Choose established organizations with field networks, such as the Red Cross, UNICEF, or GlobalGiving.
Q: Is there another way to help besides donating?
You can also follow trusted updates and share official relief channels so more people can get involved.
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