The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has airlifted core relief supplies to support affected communities in Venezuela following the devastating earthquake on 24 June 2026, which caused widespread damage and urgent humanitarian needs.
"For families dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake, whether and when they receive initial assistance can make a big difference for how they are able to recover," said Kim Eling, IOM Senior Director for Strategy and External Engagement. "Our partnership with DHL demonstrates how strategic collaboration with the private sector can help humanitarian organizations deliver essential assistance more quickly, ensuring affected communities receive the support they need when every moment counts."
The humanitarian cargo was transported from IOM's global stock hub in Panama to Caracas through a humanitarian aid flight operated by DHL. DHL's Disaster Response Team supported in handling the cargo in Panama and Caracas airport. The flight arrived at Simón Bolívar International Airport on 7 July 2026, carrying essential relief items, including jerry cans, solar lamps, and indoor privacy partitions, to support emergency shelter operations.
The movement was coordinated through close collaboration between IOM, the Government of Venezuela, and the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) in Panama. This joint effort enabled efficient planning, rapid execution, and timely delivery of assistance to communities most affected by the earthquake.
IOM sincerely thanks DHL's Disaster Response Team for its generous in-kind logistics support, which was vital to the rapid mobilization and transport of IOM humanitarian supplies during this critical emergency.
This operation highlights IOM's continued commitment to preparedness, rapid emergency response, and effective humanitarian supply chain coordination, using strategic partnerships and global prepositioning capacities to deliver life-saving assistance to crisis-affected populations.
