Venezuela Earthquake and Ways to Help
A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck roughly 100 miles west of Caracas on Wednesday, June 24th, the strongest earthquake in over a century. The earthquake has caused widespread damage with many losing their lives. Affected areas in the vicinity need immediate food, medicine and basic aid items such as tents and blankets to support the injured and evacuated.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Individuals, regardless of where they reside, can help those affected by the earthquake in Venezuela. Listed below are resources to connect with to make a financial donation (Please note that monetary donations are the best way charities can get the resources to the affected area as quickly as possible to start to help with relief efforts):
- Americares: To support medical relief efforts and more, go to https://www.americares.org/.
- International Rescue Committee (IRC): To assist families with emergency services that are affected by the disaster, donate by visiting: https://www.rescue.org/.
- UNICEF USA: To support UNICEF’s efforts to help unaccompanied children find their families and other support, go to https://www.unicefusa.org/ and click on the red DONATE button.
AVOIDING SCAMS
To help individuals avoid scams and frauds after disasters, please note the following advice from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (CT DCP):
- Do your research: Before donating, use online resources like the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, Guidestar, Charity Navigator, and Charity Watch, which all provide information about non-profit organizations and charities.
- Be cautious of “look alike” websites: Websites will sometimes try and impersonate legitimate charities. Verify the URL in your browser before giving any money online. These fraudulent websites will often ask for personal financial information and may download harmful malware onto your computer. Don’t assume that charity recommendations on Facebook or other social media sites are legitimate.
- Ask questions: Ask how your donation will be used and ask the solicitor to be specific. If the answer is vague, be wary.
- Know who you are talking to: If you receive an email or text message asking for a donation, confirm that the request is from the charity, and not an imposter, by contacting the charity or visiting its website. A legitimate charity will always give you time to verify its identity and do your research.
- Don’t be pressured: Do not donate if the solicitor uses high-pressure tactics, asks for payment in cash, or insists on sending someone to pick up your donation.
- Avoid paying in an untraceable form of payment: Donate by check or credit card, not by wire transfer or cash.
- Never give out personal information: Never give out information such as your social security number or bank account numbers over the phone or internet, or to an untrusted source.
For more information or to file a complaint, contact the Department of Consumer Protection by emailing dcp.complaints@ct.gov or visit www.ct.gov/DCP/complaints.
CONTACTING LOVED ONES
- If you are looking for a U.S. citizen affected by the disaster, please contact the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747.
- If you are looking for a non-U.S. citizen family member affected by the disaster, the Red Cross may be able to help. Please complete the International Reconnecting Families Form at https://www.icrc.org/en/where-we-work/venezuela
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SOURCES: American Red Cross, CT Department of Consumer Protection, Global Giving, Americares, International Rescue Committee (IRC), UNICEF USA, U.S. Department of State
PREPARED BY: 211/tb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: June2026
