Venezuela earthquakes: What is MSF doing and how can I help?
A powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Venezuela last night, followed by an even stronger 7.5 quake less than a minute later.
Early reports confirm more than 164 people have died and over 700 are injured — and the toll is expected to rise.
How can I help MSF in Venezuela?
Right now, our teams are assessing the medical and humanitarian needs in Venezuela.
This is only possible because of donations from people like you.
By donating to us today, you will be helping to ensure we can respond to emergencies around the world, like the earthquakes in Venezuela.
Please donate today to support our emergency teams.
Click here to learn more about how we spend your money.
How is MSF responding?
Most of our MSF team in Venezuela is reported safe, except for two staff members who are still unaccounted for in La Guaira, the worst hit region.
- MSF teams in the capital, Caracas, are urgently assessing the situation to determine how best to respond.
- We are preparing the delivery of emergency trauma kits to hospitals as they struggle to cope with the influx of patients.
Background: MSF in Venezuela
Our teams are often among the first humanitarian responders on the ground for one key reason: because we are already there.
MSF has been working in Venezuela since 2015, providing vital services ranging from malaria treatment to sexual and reproductive healthcare.
In 2024, MSF provided 166,900 outpatient consultations for people in Venezuela.
MSF and natural disasters
With over 50 years' of experience, we are experts in rolling out emergency responses in complex settings.
Within a matter of minutes, natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes and hurricanes can overwhelm an entire population.
Hundreds and even thousands of people can be injured or traumatised by the loss of family, friends and homes.
Clean water, healthcare and transport are also often casualties in these disasters. Rapid medical care and coordinated emergency response are vital to protect survivors.
From large-scale catastrophes to local emergencies, MSF’s network of aid workers and supplies around the world means we can quickly respond to disasters.