Update from Venezuela Earthquake Response: August 19th, 2026

Br Deiby Fuenmayor MSC shares the latest update from the Venezuelan earthquake relief programme, following the double earthquake that shook the city of Caracas on June 24th. Aid efforts are ongoing following the disaster, and the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Venezuela are working in conjunction with Caritas Caracas to bring vital support to survivors of the quakes.

Today, we share the latest update from Br Deiby, featuring the most recent update on relief efforts in the wake of the disaster.

Click here to view the full report PDF.

UNITED IN FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY!

PASTORAL CALL, AWARENESS, AND GUIDANCE FOR SOLIDARITY ACTION IN THE FACE OF EMERGENCY

“55 days after that fateful June 24th, today, August 18, 2026, the Church, religious communities, and every man and woman of faith and goodwill remain standing, walking alongside our suffering people.”

SECTION I: THE MEMORY OF PAIN AND THE MAGNITUDE OF THE CRISIS

1. 55 DAYS AFTER THE DOUBLE EARTHQUAKE
   Last June 24, 2026, left an indelible mark on our homeland. A devastating double earthquake shook the foundations of our communities, destroying homes, churches, and livelihoods in a matter of seconds. Today, exactly 55 days later, the reality of the impact remains present. Wounds do not heal overnight, and the pain of so many families who lost everything demands a living memory that does not allow for forgetfulness or resignation
2. DECREASE IN AID AND TIRELESS WORK
   Over the weeks, contributions and supplies have dropped drastically: aid has decreased by more than 80%. However, this has not slowed down our commitment. Work continues tirelessly, maintaining constant support for those affected, touching hearts incessantly, and seeking innovative strategies to channel resources. Physical, moral, and spiritual reconstruction will continue for many months, making it vital to sustain our supportive presence alongside vulnerable families.

SECTION II: AGGRAVATION OF REALITY AND NEW IMPACTS

1. THE BRUNT OF SEVERE WEATHER AND PAIN IN LA GUAIRA
   In recent days, intense and prolonged rainfall has battered affected areas. The rains have not only caused flooding but have destroyed the fragile shelters of thousands of our brothers and sisters. Tents and temporary structures set up outdoors have torn and soaked completely. Entire families—with children, the elderly, and the sick—are now exposed to the elements, cold weather, and imminent risk of disease, dramatically worsening daily suffering.
2. EARLY MORNING PANIC ON AUGUST 18
   As if the heavy weather were not enough, in the early morning of August 18, 2026, a new 4.6 magnitude earthquake centered in La Guaira State shook the ground once again. This new tremor generated severe panic among the population, reigniting psychological trauma and constant fear. Ground instability and emotional fragility make every aftershock a direct blow to the heart of the community.

SECTION III: INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY AND EMBRACE FROM CELAM

1. GRATITUDE TO THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH AND SISTER ORGANIZATIONS
   We give profound thanks to God that in the midst of this tribulation we have not been alone. We deeply recognize and appreciate the valuable solidarity of organizations such as Cáritas Germany, Cáritas Italy, and various institutions of the Catholic Church across Latin America and other parts of the globe, who have stood by us through prayer, fraternity, and concrete contributions to sustain our people’s hope.

2. PASTORAL VISIT OF THE PRESIDENT OF CELAM
   We highlight in a special way the recent presence in our country of the President of the Latin American Episcopal Council (CELAM), who is also Titular Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cartagena. His pastoral visit was a true balm of comfort: he visited various locations across the Archdiocese of Caracas and the Diocese of La Guaira, listening attentively to the suffering and testimonies of affected families. In this fraternal encounter, we received an unconditional message of support from Catholic brothers and sisters in Colombia and throughout Latin America. In turn, deep solidarity and affection from the faithful people of God in Venezuela were expressed back to Colombia. This exchange reaffirms that faith transcends borders and unites us as one body in Christ.

SECTION IV: AWARENESS AND SENSITIZATION: LET US NOT ABANDON OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS!

1. LA GUAIRA AND OUR VICTIMS ARE NOT ALONE
   We cannot allow exhaustion, routine, or habit to numb our capacity to feel others’ pain. We must not abandon La Guaira State; we must not abandon the victims. Behind every number, there are human faces: children who need warmth, elderly people requiring medicine, and families longing for a comforting word. Forgetting those who suffer outdoors today would mean abandoning the core mandate of Christian charity.
2. SENSITIVITY AS AN ENGINE FOR CHANGE
   To raise awareness is to open the eyes of the soul. It is remembering that solidarity is not giving away what we have left over, but sharing what we have with those who have nothing left. We make an urgent appeal to the collective conscience: the emergency is not over just because the cameras have turned off. Every person, family, and institution holds the opportunity to be an instrument of comfort through material contributions, prayer, and human closeness.

SECTION V: PASTORAL RESPONSE AND NETWORK OF FRATERNITY

1. A CHURCH IN MOTION: PASTORAL CARE ON THE GROUND
   In the face of adversity, the response of the Church does not stop. Under the active leadership of Parochial Caritas and the drive of Cáritas Caracas, work has not ceased for a single second. Pastoral action goes far beyond material assistance: it is a living presence that listens, embraces, strengthens faith, and evangelizes through the constant testimony of charity.
2. RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES AND FAITH-BASED VOLUNTEERS
   Women and men religious communities, along with priests, deacons, and laypeople, have devoted themselves entirely to this reality. They remain on the ground sharing the fate of those most in need, cooking in community kitchens, providing emotional support, and acting as beacons of light. Likewise, Diocesan Caritas teams across the country continue to organize relentlessly, activating collection centers and reaching out to send constant aid to disaster zones.

SECTION VI: STRATEGIES, ALLIANCES, AND PERMANENT CALL TO ACTION

1. DIALOGUE WITH BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS
   To sustain aid over time despite shortages, direct dialogue strategies have been designed with the business sector, civil organizations, and foundations. This effort aims to build strategic partnerships to channel resources, medical supplies, construction materials, and food consistently. Social responsibility combined with faith in action are fundamental pillars for sustaining ground logistics.

 

2. PRAYER AND COMMITMENT TO THE END
   We make a passionate call to all faithful believers to continue praying fervently to the Lord so that He continues touching generous hearts. The Church and all people of goodwill reaffirm our commitment to continue accompanying, walking, and suffering alongside our brothers and sisters. We will not leave you alone. We will maintain aid, support, active listening, and contributions for as long as necessary, because in every neighbor in need lives the face of Christ.

Bro. Deiby Fuenmayor MSC
Parish Animator – La Santa Cruz
Cáritas Caracas
Caracas, August 18, 2026

Read Br Deiby’s last letter from Caracas

Read more about ongoing relief operations in Venezuela