Venezuela Earthquake (2026): How to Help, Find Relief Resources, and Send Money

Many of our customers have loved ones in Venezuela. If that’s you, we’re thinking of you. Here’s what you need to know:

• Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, causing widespread destruction across Caracas and La Guaira
• Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with thousands of families still searching for loved ones, including through volunteer websites like Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela
• Trusted humanitarian organizations, including IFRC, IRC, Save the Children, and UNICEF, are supporting earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela
• Ria has removed all transfer fees to send money to Venezuela through July 15, 2026*

Information is based on updates from USGS, UN OCHA, IFRC, and other humanitarian organizations. Details may change as emergency response efforts continue.

On the evening of June 24, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela within seconds of each other. The first measured 7.2 in magnitude, followed by a 7.5 quake, one of the strongest recorded in the country in more than a century. Communities across Caracas, La Guaira, and surrounding areas have been devastated. As of Friday, June 26 at 12:30 pm ET, at least 920 people have been confirmed dead and 3,360 injured, with the toll expected to rise as rescue teams reach harder-hit areas. For many Venezuelans abroad, the hardest part has been the silence: power and telecommunications outages have made it difficult to reach family inside the country. International humanitarian aid is arriving from UN agencies, neighboring countries, and relief organizations.

This guide is for anyone trying to help: whether you want to donate to relief efforts, find reliable information, or send money directly to your family in Venezuela.

How to stay informed

If you’re trying to follow what’s happening, communications disruptions inside Venezuela mean information is still limited and changing quickly. Here are some reliable sources to follow:

English

• ReliefWeb – UN humanitarian updates and situation reports.
• UN OCHA – Official humanitarian response and relief coordination.
• Caracas Chronicles – English-language reporting focused specifically on Venezuela.
• AP News – International breaking news coverage, updated continuously.

En español

• Cruz Roja Venezolana (@CruzRojaVe en X) – Actualizaciones locales sobre la respuesta de emergencia y ayuda humanitaria.
• OCHA Venezuela (@OCHAVenezuela en X) – Coordinación humanitaria internacional y actualizaciones de la respuesta.
• Efecto Cocuyo – Periodismo independiente con cobertura desde Venezuela.
• BBC News Mundo – Cobertura internacional verificada sobre la situación y los esfuerzos de respuesta.

Ways to support relief efforts

In the days following the earthquakes, humanitarian organizations have been mobilizing emergency teams, medical supplies, and shelter assistance. But reaching affected communities remains difficult.

If you’d like to donate, these trusted humanitarian organizations are supporting earthquake relief efforts in Venezuela:

• Direct Relief – Providing medical supplies and support to health providers responding to the earthquake.
• Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) – Florida-based humanitarian organization with existing Venezuelan partnerships and an active earthquake response. 
• IFRC– The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has activated its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund and is supporting emergency response efforts in Venezuela.
• International Rescue Committee (IRC) – Has humanitarian programs in Venezuela and is supporting earthquake response efforts.
• Save the Children – Supporting children and families affected by the earthquakes through emergency response efforts.
• UNICEF – Supporting children and families affected by the disaster.
• World Vision – Has launched an emergency response for communities affected by the earthquakes.

Not sure where to give? Charity Navigator or GiveWell are good places to verify organizations before donating.

A note on fraud awareness

Unfortunately, donation scams increase significantly in the aftermath of disasters. Be cautious of unsolicited requests on social media or messaging apps, and always verify before you give. When in doubt, stick to established organizations. Learn more about avoiding money transfer and donation scams.

How to send money to your family in Venezuela

If you’re trying to reach family in Venezuela, you’re not alone. For many families, sending money is one of the fastest ways to provide immediate support, and we’re here to help you do so. We’ve removed the fee on all transfers to Venezuela through July 15, 2026.*

Ria’s transfer network to Venezuela is active. You can send money through Pago Móvil, one of Venezuela’s most widely used instant payment systems, or by direct bank deposit to Banesco, Banco de Venezuela, Banco Mercantil, Italcambio, and more. Pago Móvil transfers typically arrive within minutes, so your family gets access to funds quickly. Bank deposit delivery times may vary.

To send money fast, all you need is your recipient’s full name, their bank details or registered Pago Móvil number, and a valid ID. You can send from the Ria app or website.

Send to Venezuela →

FAQ

Can I still send money to Venezuela after the earthquake?
Yes, Ria’s money transfer network is active and processing normally. You can send money through our app or website. We know how important it is to stay connected right now, so all transfers to Venezuela are fee-free through July 15, 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

How can I find family members in Venezuela after the earthquake?

If you’re trying to locate family in Venezuela, a few resources may help:

• Desaparecidos Terremoto Venezuela and Venezuela Te Busca are volunteer-created websites where Venezuelans can register missing loved ones with names, photos, and last known locations.
• The Venezuelan Red Cross (@CruzRojaVe en X) is also actively sharing information about affected communities.
• Many Venezuelans abroad are also sharing information through X and WhatsApp groups, including lists of names and locations from specific neighborhoods in Caracas and surrounding areas.

What is the best way to help Venezuela right now?

Donating to an established relief organization already on the ground in Venezuela is one of the most effective options if you’d like to give. Organizations like IFRC, IRC, Direct Relief, and UNICEF are actively mobilizing resources.

If you have family in Venezuela, sending money directly is one of the most immediate forms of support. And sharing reliable information with your community about where to donate and where to follow developments helps more people find the help they need. 

How do I know if a Venezuela relief organization is legitimate?

Stick to established organizations with a verifiable track record and transparent financials. Before donating, check the organization on Charity Navigator or GiveWell (both provide independent ratings on how effectively organizations use donations). Be cautious of unsolicited donation requests on social media or messaging apps, even if they appear to come from individuals affected by the disaster. When in doubt, donate directly through an organization’s official website.

How long does a transfer to Venezuela take?
Most transfers sent through Pago Móvil arrive within minutes, 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Transfer times for other delivery methods may vary depending on how you pay. Learn more about different transfer times.

What do I need to send money to Venezuela?
Sending money is straightforward. You’ll need your recipient’s full name and a valid ID. For bank deposit, you’ll need their account details. For Pago Móvil, you’ll need the phone number registered to their bank account. You can get started through the Ria app or website.

We’ll keep this updated

Venezuela is in our thoughts. We’ll update this guide as new information becomes available. For real-time updates, follow the sources listed above.

If there’s anything we can do to help, we’re here. 

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**Zero-fee transfers to Venezuela on the Ria app or website through July 15, 2026. FX rates apply.

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