Celebrities and UN unite to aid Venezuela after devastating earthquakes

Two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, causing widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis. Official death tolls vary significantly between sources, ranging from 1,400 to over 4,500, with thousands injured and hundreds of thousands displaced. The government reported 4,561 dead, 16,740 injured, and 17,907 homeless Source: elcaribedr, infobae, while other outlets cite 4,490 dead Source: diariolibree or lower figures Source: eldiado. The cost of reconstruction is estimated at $6.7 billion Source: elcaribedr.

Celebrity and international response

Gustavo Dudamel has partnered with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to raise funds, emphasizing music as a healing force. UNDP head Alexander De Croo noted the challenges on the ground, including 1.2 million tons of rubble Source: elcaribedr, infobae.

Shakira launched a campaign urging France and Germany to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million. She highlighted that over 430 schools were destroyed Source: elnacionalve, abces. Portugal and Canada have already contributed Source: diariolibree.

Rosalía made an undisclosed donation to UNICEF, providing water for 30,000 children, medical care for 25,000, and safe spaces Source: lavanguardia, elpaises. Metallica's foundation donated $100,000 Source: cnn.

Grassroots and entertainment efforts

Content creators held a global live stream on July 12, raising funds via We Love Foundation Source: elnacionalve. Clowns and performers visited shelters to entertain children Source: cnn.

Official figures remain inconsistent due to ongoing damage assessments and aftershocks Source: hoydo. Many schools will not reopen until September, leaving millions of children without education Source: hoydo, infobae.