Last Wednesday, June 24, Venezuela experienced one of the most tragic moments in its modern history. In just 39 seconds, two consecutive earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5—an event known as a “seismic doublet”—violently shook the country’s north-central region. The epicentre was located near Montalbán, in Carabobo state, and the devastating effects spread across Caracas, La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Yaracuy and Falcón. These are the strongest earthquakes Venezuela has suffered in more than 126 years.
The official toll, still being updated, had already exceeded 235 deaths and hundreds of injuries at the time of publishing this information, with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimating a 42% probability that the final number of victims will be much higher. Dozens of buildings have collapsed in Caracas and La Guaira—declared a disaster zone—hospitals are treating the injured in the street, Maiquetía International Airport remains closed due to severe structural damage, and widespread power, water and telecommunications outages further complicate an already critical situation.
Our people are safe, but the situation is extremely serious
From the Communications Office of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, immediate contact was maintained with all the communities present in Venezuela. The provincial vicar, Fray Eddy Polo, confirmed that, thanks be to God, all the friars are safe, although some properties have suffered damage requiring structural assessment. The San Judas community in Caracas has had to be evacuated as a precaution; both Colegio San Judas Tadeo and the Parish of San Pío X—in the La Pastora neighbourhood—have sustained significant damage; and Colegio Cristo Rey has also been affected, although it is still pending a full assessment. The communities in Barquisimeto, Maracaibo and Táchira have not reported any significant damage.
The Augustinian Recollect Sisters of the Heart of Jesus, in Los Teques, are also safe. Sister Gracelia Molina described the distressing moments they experienced: “It was horrible. We’re still shaken and feeling aftershocks. We ran out with the babies, the children, the older sisters, the Blessed Sacrament”.
In view of this situation, the Prior General of the Order, Fray Miguel Ángel Hernández, asked for the prayers of the entire Augustinian Recollect Family: “May Our Lady of Coromoto protect Venezuela and sustain all those living through these uncertain times”.
ARCORES activates the international emergency protocol
From the very first moment, ARCORES Venezuela and ARCORES International, together with the entire Augustinian Recollect Family, have been fully engaged in the humanitarian response. A team in Caracas, led by Fray Juan Carlos Maldonado, is working on the ground to assess the situation and coordinate immediate aid with the authorities and other humanitarian organisations. Friars, nuns, lay people and volunteers are working tirelessly to distribute food and drinking water, provide basic hygiene kits, and work to set up emergency shelters and coordinate medical care and psychosocial support.
At the request of ARCORES Venezuela, and in accordance with the ARCORES International emergency procedure, the project “Emergency aid for those affected by Venezuela’s earthquake” has been officially activated from Rome, dated June 26, 2026. The President of ARCORES International, Fray Jaazeal Jakosalem, has issued a formal communication to all network partners requesting their collaboration and asking all National ARCORES offices to share the appeal among communities, schools, parishes, spirituality centres and people of good will. The Prior General, Fr. Miguel Ángel Hernández, together with the General Council, have already decided to make a financial donation to support the emergency.
The scale of the disaster, combined with the pre-existing vulnerability of the Venezuelan population, means that humanitarian needs are immense: temporary shelter, medical care, psychosocial support, food security, drinking water and early recovery.
How to help: “A heart with Venezuela”
ARCORES International is making an urgent appeal for the solidarity of the entire Augustinian Recollect Family to provide financial support to ARCORES Venezuela. Donations can be made through the following channels:
In euros (EUR): IBAN: ES57 0075 0241 4406 0086 0510 | BIC/SWIFT: BSCHESMM | Bizum: 00713 es.arcores.org/donaciones
In dollars (USD): IBAN: ES19 0081 0640 6700 7199 0313 | BIC/SWIFT: BSABESBB
For more information about this emergency action: administracion@arcores.org
The Order of Augustinian Recollects is closely monitoring developments and remains in постоян contact with its communities in Venezuela. We will continue to provide updates.
More information at arcores.org and updates on ARCORES and the Order of Augustinian Recollects’ social media channels.
