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.
Deaf people cannot wait.
When disasters strike, deaf people are often the last to receive emergency information and the last to access humanitarian assistance.
In Venezuela, local deaf organisations have already identified 195 deaf people with urgent humanitarian needs across the most affected areas. They urgently need food, clean water, medicines, hygiene supplies, communication tools and accessible support.
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.
Donate now
Your donation helps ensure deaf people are not left behind.
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:
- Safe drinking water
- Non-perishable food
- Essential medicines
- Hygiene kits
- Baby diapers
- Women’s hygiene products
- Communication technology
- Assistive devices
- Mattresses
- Psychosocial support
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.
Who has been identified?
The assessment currently includes 195 deaf people:
- 99 men
- 96 women
- 178 adults
- 17 deaf children
These numbers are estimated and provided by CONSORVEN, the national association of the deaf in Venezuela.
How does the WFD coordinate support?
All donations made through this WFD emergency appeal will be earmarked exclusively for the Venezuela earthquake response.
The WFD will coordinate with the Venezuelan deaf communities through CONSORVEN, the national association of the deaf, to support an accessible response. 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.
Deaf people cannot be an afterthought
Every hour without accessible assistance increases the risk that deaf people are excluded from emergency relief. Help us make sure deaf people in Venezuela receive the support they urgently need.
Every contribution makes a difference.
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]
