Earthquake damage as seen in Caracas, Venezuela, on 24 June, 2026. (Photo by Jonathan Lanza/NurPhoto)
In Venezuela, shortly after 18:00 on Wednesday, 24 June, two major back-to-back earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, struck approximately 160 km west of Caracas. The earthquakes have caused loss of life, injuries, and significant infrastructure damage. Rescue operations are ongoing and the number of people reported missing or unaccounted for has not yet been confirmed as an official toll. The disaster places additional strain on a country where an estimated 8 million people were already in need of humanitarian support.
IDF is deeply concerned by the impact of the earthquakes on the estimated 1.6 million people living with diabetes in Venezuela. People living with chronic conditions such as diabetes are particularly vulnerable when natural disasters strike, as they require uninterrupted access to medicines, supplies, and care.
IDF and its South and Central America (SACA) Region are in close contact with IDF member organisations in the country and humanitarian aid partners to help ensure that diabetes medicines and supplies remain available and accessible to people living with diabetes during this difficult time.
Information gathered so far indicates that:
- The local healthcare workforce remains available, but faces significant shortages of medication, supplies and other resources.
- Insulin remains available through private pharmacies for those who can afford it, but its cost has increased.
- Displaced people have lost access to medicines and diabetes supplies.
As of 3 July, IDF and its partners have mobilised the following humanitarian response:
- IDF transnational member Direct Relief is responding to requests as needs arise. They maintain emergency medical supplies commonly needed after earthquakes, including wound care materials, surgical supplies, antibiotics, and field medic packs for first responders and search-and-rescue teams.
- Insulin for Life affiliates in Australia and the USA have shipped diabetes supplies to the country and are coordinating with the local IDF members to distribute them to those in need.
- An IDF Young Leader from Aruba is mobilising donations to Venezuela through the Red Cross.
- The IDF North America and Caribbean (NAC) region has offered support with the shipment of insulin and supplies.
- An association of Venezuelan refugees in Colombia (Refugiados Unidos) has offered to purchase insulin and other supplies to be distributed to the four IDF members in Venezuela.
- MSF Brussels has shipped a donation of trauma kits, while continuing to assess emerging needs.
- PAHO has circulated a rapid needs assessment survey and has committed to raising the needs of the four IDF members with the Ministry of Health.
Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
IDF extends its deepest sympathies to all those affected by this catastrophic event.
