German Red Cross / Deutsches Rotes Kreuz

Disaster Relief

A powerful earthquake struck northern Venezuela on 24 June 2026. The Red Cross is on the ground supporting the people affected. The German Red Cross (GRC) is providing urgently needed relief supplies.

Within just a few minutes, two very powerful earthquakes struck in quick succession west of Caracas, near the Valencia–Morón region. More than 5,000 people lost their lives and over 16,000 were injured.

Around 530,000 people have been affected by the earthquakes and urgently require humanitarian assistance, particularly medical care, shelter and food.

The Venezuelan Red Cross (VRC) immediately activated its emergency response mechanisms and supported the national authorities’ disaster response, including emergency medical services and first aid.

GRC Relief Supplies

Together with the Colombian Red Cross, the German Red Cross transported essential relief supplies across the border into Venezuela on 26 June.

The shipment supported the Venezuelan Red Cross’s immediate emergency response and included first-aid supplies, trauma kits, medical consumables, as well as radio and telecommunications equipment.

Two additional shipments were sent to the disaster area on 1 and 8 July. They included medical supplies and emergency response equipment as well as large, robust tents for setting up mobile health facilities. The shipments were supported by the German Armed Forces at Wunstorf Air Base.

Digital Health Management

The GRC relief shipment also included the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s digital health and patient management system. The Red Cross and Red Crescent Health Information System (RCHIS) was co-developed by the German Red Cross with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office.

On the ground, the system enhances the Spanish Red Cross emergency clinic. Particularly when treating large numbers of injured people, it helps improve patient care by digitalising the entire treatment process — from registration and treatment through to discharge or referral.

The GRC’s emergency response is implemented in close coordination with the Venezuelan and Colombian Red Cross Societies. This ensures that people facing this difficult situation receive efficient and effective assistance.

The German Red Cross has worked closely with the Venezuelan Red Cross for many years. Together, we strengthen areas including healthcare and disaster preparedness.