Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of): Earthquake Response Situation Report #30 (17 to 23 September 2026)

Please refer to the attached file.

The Situation Report #30 provides an update on IOM’s response to the earthquakes that struck the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on 24 June 2026, covering the period from 17 to 23 September 2026. During the reporting period, IOM maintained management and co-management of four planned camps in La Guaira, strengthened inter-agency coordination, expanded health and mental health services, and continued supporting housing solutions, protection services and population monitoring for affected communities. Official figures indicate that 107 transitory camps remain operational, accommodating 23,901 people, while recovery and relocation efforts continue nationwide.

Highlights

IOM completed a comprehensive Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) needs assessment across the four camps under its management and co-management through 32 focus group discussions involving 224 participants. The findings will guide future interventions aimed at strengthening psychological well-being, community resilience and access to mental health services. IOM also launched mhGAP training for first-line responders, health workers and partners to strengthen the identification and management of mental health conditions in humanitarian settings.

IOM significantly expanded health service coverage through mobile outreach teams, field hospital services and new deployments in La Guaira, Miranda, Carabobo and Yaracuy. During the reporting period, 531 health consultations were delivered through five mobile activities, strengthening access to primary health care, sexual and reproductive health services, mental health support and referrals for specialized care.

At Polideportivo José María Vargas, IOM continued preparedness measures for potential population movements by improving infrastructure, installing rain protection curtains, expanding service areas and delivering 7 bunk beds and 14 mattresses. In parallel, IOM continued supporting housing solutions through the housing repair pilot in areas adjacent to César Nieves and strengthened coordination around possible relocation processes.

IOM Activities

IOM maintained direct management of Polideportivo José María Vargas and continued co-managing César Nieves, Campo de Golf and Mare Abajo II with its implementing partner NRC. Activities focused on camp management, population monitoring, infrastructure improvements, community participation, relocation preparedness and support for housing solutions. Population verification exercises and household assessments continued to support evidence-based planning and decision-making.

In shelter and basic assistance, IOM distributed essential household items to more than 116 families in camps and affected communities. During the reporting period, the Organization delivered 906 collapsible jerry cans and 454 hygiene items. Since the beginning of the response, IOM has distributed more than 10,893 plastic tarpaulins, 9,163 collapsible jerry cans, 6,813 kitchen sets, 5,922 toolkits, 4,563 solar lamps and 5,622 hygiene items, contributing to improved living conditions for affected households.

In WASH, IOM continued monitoring water supply, sanitation systems, drainage networks and hygiene services across camps. Together with sector partners, IOM coordinated the delivery of 90,000 litres of water to 575 households in Mare Abajo II. Since the start of the response, partners have distributed 3,183,000 litres of water, 3,769 family hygiene kits and 3,702 menstrual hygiene kits, while IOM continued supporting technical coordination and service monitoring.

IOM also maintained protection programming and community-based services. Between 15 and 22 September, IOM and its partners provided protection assistance to 108 individuals, including legal counselling, case management, psychological support and referrals to specialized institutions. The Organization continued monitoring protection risks, supporting survivors, facilitating humanitarian transfers and strengthening child protection and community protection mechanisms.

IOM Planned Response

IOM will continue monitoring accommodation conditions, population movements and temporary accommodation arrangements, while strengthening preparedness in camps that may receive populations in the event of relocations. The Organization will also continue advancing the housing repair pilot in César Nieves and maintaining updated population data to support operational planning and durable solutions processes.

IOM will maintain mobile health and mental health services, strengthen referral pathways and access to specialized care, continue WASH monitoring and infrastructure follow-up, and sustain protection activities for vulnerable populations. Inter-agency coordination with authorities, partners and communities will remain a priority to support safe, dignified and sustainable solutions for people affected by the earthquakes.