RET teams on the ground are prioritizing children’s protection, psychosocial support, and educational continuity following the June 24 double earthquake. 

Press Release from RET Global Communications

CARACAS, VENEZUELA – CARACAS, VENEZUELA – On June 24, 2026, Venezuela was struck by two major earthquakes in rapid succession: a 7.2 magnitude tremor at 6:04 p.m. local time, followed 39 seconds later by a 7.5 magnitude quake centered in the Yaracuy-Carabobo corridor. The earthquakes caused severe damage across La Guaira, Caracas, and several neighboring states. As of June 26, official figures reported 235 people killed, 4,300 injured, and over 100 aftershocks recorded. 

RET International activated its emergency response immediately. Teams on the ground, working alongside local partners and community networks across the region, are assessing damage, identifying protection risks, and supporting affected families. 

Venezuela’s education system was already under severe strain before the earthquakes. According to UNICEF, 2.7 million children required educational support and 1.5 million were out of school in 2025, with gross enrollment dropping from 85.9% in 2023–2024 to 60.9% in 2024–2025. The earthquakes compound this pre-existing crisis significantly. The government has suspended all school activities nationwide, and some school buildings are being repurposed as emergency shelters. 

“Our priority right now is making sure children and families are safe, that communities have access to reliable information, and that we can support schools to reopen as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Remi Mannaert, President and CEO of RET Americas. “We are also paying close attention to the psychosocial impact on children and communities. After a traumatic event like this, that support needs to start from day one.” 

RET will launch a digital response platform with an AI-powered chatbot and live agent support to provide communities with verified information on safety, protection services, and available assistance, including in areas where infrastructure and communications have been disrupted. 

The organization is coordinating closely with the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the Education and Protection Clusters, REDLAC, and other humanitarian partners to align its response and avoid duplication. 

RET’s current response priorities include: 

• Rapid assessment of school infrastructure damage in the most affected states 
• Psychosocial support and psychological first aid for children, teachers, and families 
• Child protection monitoring and case referral 
• Community information and anti-rumor communication 
• Coordination with national and local authorities on safe school reopening 

RET International has worked in Venezuela and across Latin America for over two decades, focusing on education in emergencies, child protection, and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in crisis and displacement contexts. Follow RET International on social media for updates on our Venezuela earthquake response. miento. Sigue a RET International en redes sociales para recibir actualizaciones sobre nuestra respuesta al terremoto en Venezuela.

About RET International

RET International is a humanitarian organization dedicated to education, protection, and resilience for people affected by crises, conflict, and displacement. Founded in 2000, RET works in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Learn more at http://www.theret.org or contact communication@theret.org. 

Contacts

Magnolia Santamaria, LAC Operations – RET, m.santamaria@theret.org 

Ben Dwork, Global Communications – RET, b.dwork@theret.org 

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