Tuesday, June 30, 2026

WCC news: ACT Alliance issues alert for earthquake response in Venezuela

ACT Alliance members, the Lutheran World Federation, Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, and Swiss Church Aid HEKS/EPER, have issued an alert related to earthquake response in Venezuela. 
Photo: LWF World Service
26 June 2026

On 24 June, two powerful earthquakes (magnitude 7.2 and 7.5) struck north-central

Venezuela near MorĂ³n (Carabobo State), at a depth of approximately 10 km. The events occurred within 39 seconds, constituting a rare “doublet” earthquake. Strong shaking was felt across Caracas, Carabobo, La Guaira, Miranda, and Aragua, as well as in neighboring Colombia and parts of the Caribbean.

The government of Venezuela has declared a state of emergency. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing aftershocks increasing risks to affected populations and complicating response efforts.

As of 26 June, authorities reported at least 589 deaths and thousands injuried, although figures are expected to rise as search-and-rescue continues. Several heavily affected areas remain difficult to access, and assessments are ongoing.

Short-term impacts include loss of shelter, injuries, disruption of basic services, and psychosocial distress. Long-term consequences are likely to include prolonged displacement, loss of livelihoods, and increased protection risks.

Affected populations are primarily relying on family and community support networks while many remain in open spaces, temporary gathering areas, vehicles, and public facilities due to ongoing aftershocks and concerns over the safety of damaged buildings. Power outages and disruptions to telecommunications are affecting access to information and communication with family members.

International support is beginning to mobilize, with several governments offering humanitarian assistance, search and rescue teams, and medical support. Reports indicate that UN-certified search-and-rescue teams are deploying to support national efforts. Humanitarian organisations are monitoring the situation and conducting rapid assessments to identify priority needs. 

ACT Alliance is a global coalition of over 150 churches and faith-based organizations working together in more than 127 countries. It is one of the world's largest networks of Protestant and Orthodox agencies dedicated to humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and advocacy. Its members have begun rapid assessments and initial response activities in Venezuela in coordination with local partners in the affected areas. Coordination among government authorities, UN agencies, the Red Cross, and humanitarian partners is ongoing. 

ACT Alliance Alert: Venezuela earthquakes

WCC extends prayers for all affected by earthquakes in Venezuela (WCC news release, 25 June 2026)

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The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.

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WCC news: ACT Alliance issues alert for earthquake response in Venezuela

ACT Alliance members, the Lutheran World Federation, Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, and Swiss Church Aid HEKS/EPER, have issued an alert relate...