Archived Video Now Available: Briefing on Support for Venezuela Earthquake Victims

On Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Japan Platform (JPF) held the "Briefing on the Venezuela Earthquake Victims Support Program."

Connecting both on-site and online, JPF staff and member NGOs who entered the disaster zone immediately after the earthquake to conduct rapid emergency relief and needs assessments took the stage. They reported on the latest damage, support needs, and progress of relief activities, and issued an appeal for support. They introduced photos and videos recently taken of collapsed buildings, affected people, and emergency relief efforts, sharing details about the severe damage and future challenges.

The archived video of the briefing is available via the official JPF YouTube channel below.

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The Largest Earthquake Disaster in Over 125 Years

＜Overview of the Damage＞

● On June 25, 2026, consecutive earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 struck northern Venezuela.

● Both epicenters were shallow, and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has classified this as the largest earthquake in the country in over 125 years.

● Damage as of July 5: ・3,342 fatalities ・16,740 injured ・995 aftershocks ・Over 58,000 buildings damaged or collapsed ・Over 11,500 people living in temporary evacuation shelters

Walking through town for field assessment / Catia La Mar / July 5, 2026 ©JPF

＜Local Needs and JPF's Emergency Response＞

In the disaster-affected areas, urgent support is needed in healthcare, food, water, and essential household supplies. Immediately after the disaster, JPF launched emergency relief and needs assessments through its member NGOs, providing search and rescue, medical aid, food distribution, essential goods distribution, and water supply support.

JPF Member NGOs Currently Active

・Peace Winds Japan (PWJ)

・Good Neighbors Japan (GNJP)

・Humanitarian Medical Assistance (HuMA)

Meeting with UN agencies / La Guaira State / July 3, 2026 ©JPF

Emergency Reports from the Field

At the briefing, Pomann Mariko from Peace Winds Japan, who has been providing support on the ground since two days after the disaster, first reported on the current situation and ongoing relief activities.

Next, Hiroaki Higuchi, Deputy Director of the JPF Secretariat, who arrived on-site on July 1, shared his field assessment report. He described conditions at parks and stadiums serving as evacuation shelters, as well as collapsed buildings and rescue operations, and discussed future support needs.

＜From Pomann Mariko, Manager of International Operations, Peace Winds Japan＞

Currently, relief efforts are supported by volunteers and donations, and may appear sufficient at first glance. However, as the crisis continues, concerns are growing over shortages of supplies, deteriorating hygiene conditions, and increasing needs for psychological care.

We plan to implement comprehensive support that addresses both mental well-being and daily living, including hygiene kit distribution and counseling. Additionally, since many households in the area keep pets, we are also considering pet support initiatives.

Pomann Mariko, Manager, International Operations, Peace Winds Japan

＜From Hiroaki Higuchi, Deputy Director, Japan Platform Secretariat＞

Even well beyond the initial 72 hours after the disaster, desperate rescue operations continue—delivering water through tubes into collapsed buildings to reach those trapped inside. Because survivors may still be buried beneath rubble, heavy machinery cannot be used, and rescue efforts must proceed carefully by hand. Therefore, recovery and reconstruction are expected to take a long time. To ensure uninterrupted support for the affected population, your warm-hearted donations will make a significant difference.

Hiroaki Higuchi, Deputy Director, JPF Secretariat

People conducting manual search operations amid rubble / Venezuela, Catia La Mar / July 5, 2026 ©JPF

Ongoing Support Needed

Field assessments by JPF indicate that recovery will take a considerable amount of time, and above all, sustained support is essential. Although Venezuela is far from Japan, we kindly ask each of you to contribute in your own way—through donations, workplace fundraising campaigns, or simply by staying informed about the situation on the ground.

JPF will continue to provide updates on the situation and progress of relief activities. We sincerely appreciate your continued understanding and cooperation.

▶ For more details, including an overview of the briefing, please visit the link below.

Inquiries regarding this matter

Japan Platform (NPO) External Relations and Public Affairs Department External Affairs: Kijima, Yamamoto, Matsura Email: [email protected] TEL: 03-6261-4036