On 24 June 2026, Venezuela declared a national emergency after two devastating earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck just 39 seconds apart. The earthquakes have caused widespread destruction, displacement and disruption to essential services.
In any disaster, deaf people are at particular risk of being left behind when emergency information, evacuation instructions, humanitarian assistance, and recovery services are inaccessible in national sign languages. Deaf people may also face additional barriers in communicating with first responders, accessing shelters, receiving food and water, obtaining health care and reconnecting with family members.
The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is launching an emergency appeal to support deaf people affected by the Venezuela earthquake and to help ensure that the response is accessible, inclusive and coordinated with the deaf communities.
Why is your support needed?
General humanitarian assistance does not always reach deaf people in accessible and equitable ways, without the intervention of deaf advocacy organisations such as the WFD and national deaf associations. Dedicated support is needed to address the specific barriers faced by deaf communities during disaster response and recovery. Your donation can support urgent needs such as the following:
- Emergency food and clean drinking water.
- Temporary shelter and essential household supplies.
- Replacement or repair of damaged mobile phones and communication devices.
- Access to sign language interpreters and accessible communication.
- Transportation and other immediate emergency needs.
- Support coordination with the national deaf organisations and trusted local partners to ensure assistance reaches deaf people
This appeal is grounded in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including Article 11 on situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies. Deaf people have the right to access emergency information, humanitarian assistance and recovery support on an equal basis with others, including through national sign languages.
How the WFD will coordinate support
All donations made through the WFD emergency appeal will be earmarked exclusively for the Venezuela earthquake response.
The WFD will coordinate with the Venezuelan deaf community through the national association of the deaf to identify the urgent needs and support an accessible response. Our work will be directed through the national association. Where appropriate, the WFD will also coordinate with humanitarian actors and relevant authorities to help ensure that assistance reaches deaf people effectively and transparently.
Funds will be allocated according to verified needs, available resources, and WFD’s accountability requirements. A portion of donations may be used to cover essential coordination, administration and monitoring costs to manage the response responsibly and transparently
This coordinated approach ensures that resources directly benefit deaf people and complement broader humanitarian response efforts.
Communication and Accountability
The WFD is committed to keeping donors informed as the response develops.
We will provide updates on the situation, the needs identified by the deaf communities, and how we are using donations. When possible and appropriate, updates may include videos, photographs and stories from affected communities, always with appropriate consent. Recovery will take time, and the WFD will continue to communicate as emergencies and recovery evolve.
How You Can Help
Your donation will help provide urgent life-saving assistance, restore access to communication, and strengthen the recovery of deaf people whose lives have been devastated by the earthquakes.
If your network or organisation is currently supporting or willing to support OPDs at the local level, please let us know by contacting Ms Peninnah Vulimu, Disaster Risk Officer at [email protected]Â
Every contribution makes a difference.
