On June 24, 2026, twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck central Venezuela just 39 seconds apart, becoming the strongest earthquake to hit the country in more than a century. The shallow quakes caused widespread destruction, damaging more than 850 buildings, including nearly 190 collapses, and forcing thousands of families from their homes. Recent reports say more than 5,000 people had lost their lives, 16,700 were injured, and nearly 18,000 people remained without housing as communities across the region continued the difficult journey toward recovery. 

For Oneida Oyárvez, those numbers are far more than statistics. They represent the moment her family’s life changed forever.

“We were getting ready to watch Brazil’s World Cup Match when the alarms went off…”

What was supposed to be a quiet afternoon with family became, in a matter of seconds, an experience she will never forget.

Oneida lives in Tower 8 of the Ciudad Caribia housing complex, one of the buildings that sustained the most severe structural damage following the earthquake.

Seconds That Changed Everything

That afternoon, as the family prepared to watch a soccer match, their phones suddenly sounded an earthquake alert. There was a brief moment of uncertainty, but the ground gave them no time to react. The first tremor began almost immediately.

In the midst of the panic, their first priority was protecting those who needed it most: their two granddaughters, who were peacefully sleeping in their bedrooms.

Her husband struggled to stay on his feet while holding one of the girls. At the same time, her son-in-law held the other child tightly as the force of the earthquake repeatedly slammed him against the wall.

Just when they thought the worst had passed, a second, even stronger earthquake shook the building violently from side to side. Walls began to crack, belongings crashed to the floor, and the deafening sound of breaking concrete made it clear that the building had suffered serious structural damage.

Escaping Tower 8 became another challenge.

The evacuation routes were blocked by debris and broken pipes that flooded the hallways. Unable to use the normal exits, neighbors worked together to break down jammed doors and create a path through the massive holes the earthquake had torn into the walls of the ground-floor apartments.

Even amid the chaos, compassion prevailed.

Together, residents rescued a neighbor who had shielded her children with her own body when a wall collapsed on them. She suffered a severe spinal injury that required more than five hours of surgery. She is now recovering with her family in Maracay.

Living Through “Hour Zero”

Since that day, Oneida says her community has been living what they now call “Hour Zero.”

Losing their homes was only the beginning.

Today, families endure long days under the intense sun and rainy nights that make it difficult to rest. The lack of safe drinking water, portable toilets, and adequate sanitation has increased the risk of disease.

Adding to these challenges are growing infestations of flies and mosquitoes, along with an urgent need for insect repellent, sunscreen, and medications for people living with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

Like thousands of others across the affected region, many families remain displaced, sleeping in temporary shelters or outdoors while aftershocks continue and damaged buildings are assessed. Access to clean water, sanitation, food, healthcare, and psychosocial support remains among the greatest humanitarian needs facing affected communities. 

ADRA’s Response

Within hours of the disaster, ADRA Venezuela activated its emergency response and began working alongside local authorities and humanitarian partners to meet the most urgent needs. The response is focused on temporary shelters in Caracas and La Guaira, where thousands of families continue to seek safety and basic services. During the first three months of the emergency response, ADRA plans to assist 90,000 people through emergency relief efforts. 

As part of its emergency Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) response, ADRA is distributing 6,000 hygiene kits, water purification supplies, and safe water storage containers to help families access clean drinking water and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. ADRA is also coordinating the distribution of 10,000 food kits, prioritizing households with young children and older adults, while continuing to assess evolving humanitarian needs and provide protection services for vulnerable families. These efforts are designed to protect health, preserve dignity, and help communities begin the difficult process of recovery. 

“We Are Not Alone”

With a tired but hopeful expression, Oneida reflects on the support her community has received.

“Right now, we’re receiving help from NGOs. They’re providing us with sleeping mats and personal supplies… and we’re still here.”

Her words echo the experience of many families who, despite losing nearly everything, have found hope in the compassion of those who have chosen to stand beside them.

As families begin the long road to recovery, ADRA Venezuela remains committed to serving communities with justice, compassion, and love, helping restore dignity and hope one family at a time.