Venezuela - Earthquake Response, Situation Report #1, July 2, 2026

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On June 24, 2026, two consecutive earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale were recorded in the north-central region, with their epicenters along the San Felipe–Yumare axis – Montalbán (Yaracuy/Carabobo) fault line, affecting the states of La Guaira (declared a disaster area), the Capital District, Miranda, Falcón, Aragua, Carabobo, and Yaracuy. Since the event, authorities have reported more than 609 aftershocks, 1,719 deaths, 5,034 injuries, 15,866 people displaced, and 2,501 damaged buildings. Initially, the priorities identified by the National Government for the humanitarian response are the sectors of Health, Food (ready-to-eat), Shelter, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).

Following the deactivation of the Logistics Cluster in Venezuela (initially activated in 2019), a strategic transition to a Logistics Working Group (LWG) took place in May 2025. This evolution maintains the leadership of the World Food Program (WFP) and reaffirms the commitment to continue working alongside humanitarian actors to strengthen logistical coordination and improve the efficiency of humanitarian responses, particularly in support of the 50 member organizations of the GTL. 

1. Logistics Updates

General

• In response to the disaster zone in La Guaira, three multi-service shelters were set up: the Vargas Sports Complex, the César Nieves Stadium (Catia La Mar), and the Playa Grande Stadium, the latter on a temporary basis.

Airports

• On June 26, 2026, the National Government announced that Maiquetía International Airport (CCS), located in La Guaira, would be designated exclusively for receiving cargo related to the response operation. To date, it has been used for the shipment of humanitarian cargo from government to government and from the United Nations system, but the procedures to be established for other humanitarian organizations interested in supporting the response have yet to be determined.
• Shipments must be processed through customs agents, and it is recommended to include all cargo transportation services.
• Airlifts:
• UNICEF, IOM, PAHO, UNHCR, and the International Red Cross Movement have been sending humanitarian cargo to Venezuela during the reporting period.
• DG-ECHO and the U.S. Department of State are exploring options for airlifts from Miami, Panama City, and other key locations.
• Airlink is ready to transport partners’ cargo from the United States.
• UNHRD is ready to transport loading from its partners from Panama.
• Private-sector partners are evaluating possibilities for support based on the needs of response organizations (DHL, United Airlines, and others).
• Arturo Michelena International Airport (VLN) in Valencia is operational and functioning normally for commercial flights following some disruptions in the first few days after the earthquakes. 

Ports

• On July 1, 2026, authorities reported that the Port of La Guaira would be authorized to receive only humanitarian cargo. Information gathered by partners indicates that the northern docks—Docks 2 through 4—appear largely free of significant damage. Marks or impacts are visible approximately every 20 meters. A crack is visible at the western end of Pier 2. The northern docks, from 6 to 8, are being used for victim identification. The southern docks, from 15 to 20, are old and have protective barriers in poor condition. However, the structure appears to be virtually intact. Old tires are being used as fenders. It is recommended to have dedicated protective barriers. The measured depth matches the depth indicated on the nautical chart. The depth next to Pier 19 is at least 9 meters.
• Regarding operations in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela’s most important port complex, there is no official or verified information available about its condition or operations. 

Land Transportation

• Access via the main land route to La Guaira (Caracas–La Guaira Highway) is being regulated by the Venezuelan government, which requires all vehicles to obtain a permit, with the exception of those belonging to the United Nations, the Venezuelan Red Cross, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). However, reports provided by partner organizations confirm that this situation has fluctuated on a daily basis. 
• The road from Valencia to Caracas is in normal condition. To date, no disruptions have been reported; for the most part, it is a two-lane road in both directions. 
• Regarding the land border crossing between Colombia and Venezuela via the Simón Bolívar International Bridge, the Local Coordination Forum in Táchira held a meeting with state authorities, who indicated that they plan to authorize the movement of vehicles carrying humanitarian aid from this border crossing to La Guaira. However, no detailed information is currently available regarding the procedures or authorizations required for this loading to enter Venezuelan territory.

Customs and Import Procedures

• To date, there is no defined process for importing humanitarian supplies related to the emergency. A statement from the authorities on this matter is expected.
• The “IMPortation and Customs Clearance Together” (IMPACCT) Working Group has met with partners from its RHIC (Regional Humanitarian Importation and Customs) network to discuss the main challenges in this response and advocate for clarity in the process with the authorities, while providing guidance to partners. The IMPACCT Group can be contacted at impacct.2021@gmail.com. On June 28, IMPACCT published its first Customs Procedures Bulletin (Link), which highlights the following points:
• The import of telecommunications equipment has been suspended by CONATEL. However, such equipment may enter the country if it has an express authorization issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Even so, specific procedures have not yet been defined.
• The SIDUNEAWorld system is operational. Furthermore, the recommendation to use the “urgent shipments” option for humanitarian cargo—handled through an authorized customs agent in Venezuela—remains in effect.
• The bulletin includes guidelines from the Ministry of Popular Power for Health (MPPS) regarding the basic requirements for receiving donations of medicines, medical and surgical supplies, and medical equipment that are consigned to this agency. 

Telecommunications

• Since the onset of the disaster to date, telecommunications in La Guaira have relied primarily on satellite signals, with connectivity losses of up to 90%.
• There is some mobile connectivity in certain urban areas, although it deteriorates rapidly outside population centers.
• On June 26, 2026, CONATEL granted a temporary spectrum usage authorization to the telecommunications company Movistar Venezuela to activate a Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite service in the state of La Guaira, as a temporary emergency measure to restore communication in the affected area. 
• Additional information on connectivity can be found in LogIE by selecting the Connectivity Map layer (connectivity mapping)
• More information can be found in the SitRep from the Telecommunications Area of the Logistics and Telecommunications Cluster

2. Activities of the Logistics Working Group

Coordination

• Two extraordinary meetings of the National Logistics Working Group were held as part of the earthquake response operation on June 26 and 29, 2026 (Meeting Minutes of June 26 and June 29). More than 40 humanitarian organizations attended the meetings. The most common challenges and questions raised by partners primarily concerned physical access restrictions and procedures for bringing humanitarian cargo into the country (shipping, customs, importation, and cargo release). The next meeting is scheduled for July 2 at 5:00 p.m. 
• At the global level, the Logistics and Telecommunications Cluster also organized a meeting with the global focal points of partner agencies and with focal points from the Regional Logistics Working Group (LAC) on Sunday, June 28, to discuss and share information about international flights scheduled to arrive at Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS). 
• The GTL, in coordination with OCHA, has shared two surveys with partners to map incoming air cargo (pipeline) and ground transportation to La Guaira (domestic cargo movements) for United Nations agencies, funds, and programs. Both forms were distributed to the affected partners, and this information is being shared with the government to facilitate preparedness and improve coordination. 
• The GTL will be conducting a gap and needs analysis to identify and prevent obstacles or bottlenecks that partners may face in responding to the emergency. This exercise, carried out through a survey, will be critical for defining the GTL’s work priorities. 

Information Management

• The Logistics Working Group is supporting humanitarian organizations in identifying the most feasible and effective routes for their supplies. This effort aims to assess the status and operational capacity of ports and airports, the accessibility of border crossings (particularly with Colombia), and the physical condition of roads and bridges. 
• To facilitate access to this information, the LogIE platform provides a dynamic overview of the latest updates on the mapping of physical access restrictions, including the status of airports, ports, damaged infrastructure, and cross-border entry points. The platform also hosts additional information on waste management and recycling facilities, stock mapping, and connectivity. 
• The website created for the emergency contains all relevant information for partners, including available documents (minutes, customs guidelines, ETC), contact information, and the subscription form to receive communications from the Logistics Working Group. 

Provision of Logistics Services

The World Food Program, through the Logistics Working Group, is making common logistics services available to humanitarian partners at no cost to users. Initially, 500 m² of short-term storage (maximum 24 hours) is being made available to organizations in La Guaira to support loading efforts prior to distribution. These services will be expanded in the coming days to support and facilitate the humanitarian response in light of the challenges mentioned by partners. Further details will be provided in the coming days through Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be published on the Logistics Working Group’s website. 

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