(ANS – Caracas) – The twin powerful earthquakes that struck Venezuela on the afternoon of June 24, 2026, have caused such widespread structural damage and loss of life that it remains difficult to fully comprehend the scale of the disaster. The tragedy has hit a country already burdened by years of economic and political crisis, along with recurring local emergencies. While assessments of the damage are still underway, the Salesians and other members of the Salesian Family in the country are already mobilizing to assist those most in need, supported by international Salesian solidarity efforts.
The Current Situation
The latest reported toll from the two devastating earthquakes—which primarily affected Caracas and the states of Aragua, Carabobo, Falcón, La Guaira, Miranda, and surrounding areas—stands at at least 235 dead, 4,300 injured, and nearly 50,000 missing.
In the hardest-hit regions, dozens of buildings have collapsed, including homes, public infrastructure, and essential services, leaving communities traumatized and fearful of ongoing aftershocks.
From the affected areas, the Salesians describe a situation of deep uncertainty.
“The earthquakes were strongly felt in the capital and surrounding states. Many buildings have collapsed, and what we will face in the coming days and weeks will be very difficult,” they reported.
“We are deeply concerned about the situation of the Venezuelan people: many are injured, and health centers have collapsed. We still do not know the full number of deaths or the complete extent of the tragedy, because it has been extremely severe,” added the Provincial, Fr. Jorge Ghazal.
Message from the Salesians of Venezuela
Through social media, the Salesians of Venezuela shared a message of consolation and hope while coordinating the initial humanitarian response:
Amid the grief we are experiencing today, we wish to be present with hearts full of faith, solidarity, and hope. We know that many have suffered material losses, and some have experienced the painful loss of loved ones. We stand with each and every one of you in deep respect and solidarity, sharing every tear and every wound as our own.
In this time of trial, the words of Jesus resound powerfully: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (Jn 14:1). He invites us not to be afraid, to trust even when the path seems dark, and to support one another with generosity and concrete love.
As the Don Bosco Family, we are called to be signs of living hope, especially for young people. Today more than ever, we need courageous hearts capable of reaching out, sharing whatever little or much we have, and rebuilding not only structures but dreams, dignity, and the future.
Christian hope is neither naïve nor passive; it is a force that drives us to rise again, to rebuild together, and to sow life where there was pain. We firmly believe that, with God’s help and everyone’s solidarity, we will be able to build a tomorrow in which the new generations can grow in faith, joy, and opportunity.
To those who are suffering, we say: you are not alone. We walk with you, we pray for you, and we remain committed to being a community that embraces, accompanies, and lifts you up.
May Mary Help of Christians cover us with her mantle, and may Don Bosco inspire us to move forward with courage, trust, and a heart always ready to love.
Emergency Response and Solidarity Efforts
To translate these words into action, the St. Luke Province of Venezuela (VEN) has launched an initial appeal to coordinate emergency relief efforts:
Brothers and sisters, our people in Venezuela need our help following the earthquake. As a Salesian community, let us respond with a generous heart: through prayer, helping hands, and resources for those who have lost so much. Every gesture counts—share, donate, offer your time at your nearest Salesian house. Together we can support and protect our young people and begin to rebuild.
“Let us give ourselves to young people, with heart, soul, and life” (St. John Bosco)
The appeal includes details for financial support through the province’s Planning and Development Office and other entities coordinating emergency response efforts. It also identifies initial distribution centers established by the Salesians:
- Don Bosco House, Valencia
- Mary Help of Christians Parish, Boleita, Caracas
- Don Bosco Temple, Altamira, Caracas
Salesian Presence and International Solidarity
The Salesians have been present in Venezuela since 1894 and today include around 200 religious working across approximately 30 works, including schools, parishes, vocational training centers, and missions among Indigenous communities in the Amazon region. They remain a vital point of reference for local communities, many of whom are already seeking their support.
To support the Salesian Family in Venezuela, the Salesian Mission Offices Missioni Don Bosco in Turin and Misiones Salesianas in Madrid have launched solidarity campaigns.
For more information, visit:
https://www.missionidonbosco.org
https://misionessalesianas.org/
