Disaster response teams are continuing to deploy to Venezuela and ongoing relief efforts from organizations around the world is pouring in as the death toll from the devastating earthquakes surpasses 1,450, with tens of thousands reported missing and more than 12,700 people finding themselves displaced. 

Canadian organizations have launched fundraising appeals to aid survivors of the two June 24 earthquakes that struck northwestern and central Venezuela, specifically in the city of San Felipe in Yaracuy. The first shock was measured as a 7.2 magnitude, followed a minute later by a 7.5 magnitude mainshock. Both caused widespread damage across Venezuela, namely throughout La Guaira and Caracas, with 46,600 currently reported missing.

Today, rescue efforts for survivors are still taking place. While promising reports are emerging, including a 21-year-old man having been pulled from rubble in Venezuela's La Guaira state after being trapped for 106 hours according to acting president Delcy Rodríguez, rescuers remain in “critical hours" to save lives, says national assembly head Jorge Rodríguez. 

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Just two days after the initial tremors, Canadian Jesuits International launched an appeal for donations to support humanitarian relief efforts in the region. It was reported that Jesuit Refugee Service, Fe y Alegria and other CJI Jesuit partners in Venezuela were already on the ground to provide emergency support to individuals and families affected with temporary shelter, relief items, protection services and psycho-social support. 

While the CJI team continues its rapid assessments in the affected areas to identify most urgent needs through their long-standing partners in the country, further donations will allow for a quick response toward life-saving assistance and accompaniment toward affected communities. 

The Archdiocese of Toronto announced on June 29 that it will accept donations and channel funds through its Catholic partners in South America to support relief efforts underway. Those wishing to help may do so online at www.archtoronto.org., by phone through the Donations Processing Centre at (437) 529-1287 or through parishes by cheque.

The Archdiocese also said parishes may wish to include a Prayer of the Faithful at Mass in the coming days: 

"For all those affected by the recent earthquake in Venezuela, may the Lord comfort those who have lost loved ones, and provide strength to those displaced. We pray to the Lord."

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The Government of Canada also released a statement of solidarity for the people of Venezuela, saying that “while the full scale of the tragedy is still unknown, it may affect hundreds of thousands of people, and humanitarian efforts must be urgently scaled up to ensure life-saving assistance reaches those most in need.”

On June 25, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand and Secretary of State (International Development) Randeep Sarai announced Canada would provide an initial $5 million in humanitarian assistance funding to support emergency relief efforts in Venezuela — building on the $4.5 million in ongoing humanitarian assistance funding allocated by Sarai earlier this year to respond to the needs of the country.

The release confirmed that the Canadian government will continue to monitor the situation and remain in contact with its partners to “assess and respond to evolving needs over the coming days and weeks ahead as the needs become clearer.” 

A day later, Development and Peace - Caritas Canada announced its initial contribution of $50,000 to help local partner Caritas Venezuela respond to the emergency, while calling on Canadians to give generously to ongoing support ventures. 

D&P’s report also underscored the 7.9 million people who needed humanitarian aid in the country at the start of 2026, more than a quarter of the country’s population, making for a situation worsened substantially due to the estimated 3.9 million children who live in the quake-affected areas.

Early stages of support are set to concentrate on the most urgent needs such as food, water, shelter, medication, hygiene supplies and clothing, before later shifting to rebuilding, rehabilitation and recovery, as hundreds of buildings have collapsed across multiple states. 

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Speaking to pilgrims outside St. Peter’s Square on June 28, Pope Leo XIV offered his prayers for the victims as the death toll continues to climb.

“Praying to the Lord for the eternal rest of the deceased, I renew my spiritual solidarity with their families, the injured,and all who have been shaken by this tragedy,” he said. “I also wish to express my gratitude and encouragement to those generously working on search and rescue efforts and providing assistance.”