America Answers: How Nonprofits and Communities Are Driving Venezuela's Earthquake Recovery

On the evening of June 24, two massive earthquakes struck northern Venezuela within 39 seconds of each other. The first measured a magnitude 7.2. The second, centered near the coastal city of Morón, registered a 7.5, making it the strongest earthquake to hit the country in more than a century. More than 430 aftershocks followed. The death toll surpassed 3,500, more than 16,000 people were injured, and over 17,000 lost their homes entirely, scattered across 79 makeshift camps stretching from La Guaira to Caracas.

The response from American nonprofits and grassroots organizations was fast and far-reaching. World Central Kitchen was among the first on the ground, activating its #ChefsForVenezuela campaign and partnering with 42 local restaurants across Miranda, La Guaira, and Carabobo to reach the hardest-hit communities. WCK opened a large-capacity field kitchen producing up to 30,000 fresh meals per day.

For Americans looking to help, these organizations offer direct, proven pathways to get resources where they are needed most. As Venezuela moves from emergency rescue into long-term recovery, sustained support from individual donors will be just as important as the initial surge. The hundreds of thousands of people still living in displacement camps are counting on it.