News
Urgent Appeal: Peace Boat Emergency Relief for Venezuela
On June 24, 2026, a devastating earthquake struck near San Felipe, roughly 200 kilometers west of Caracas, causing the most extensive damage in Venezuela’s history.
Peace Boat has been in constant contact with our local partners on the ground to assess the situation and coordinate urgent relief. We are reaching out to our community to ask for your immediate support.
The Situation
- Impact: A magnitude 7.2 earthquake was followed 39 seconds later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor.
- Human Toll (as of July 1): 2,295 lives have been lost, with over 11,000 injured. More than 12,000 people are displaced, and there are 40,000–50,000 missing.
- Response: In La Guaira State, 15 temporary camps have been established, with international rescue teams from over 30 countries actively engaged in search and rescue operations.
Our Commitment to La Guaira
For over 20 years Peace Boat made regular calls to the Port of La Guira, where we engaged in cultural exchange with local partners in fields including education, healthcare, music and sports. Our onboard community is currently enriched by the resident Venezuelan string quintet, underscoring our strong ties of friendship with the region.
Venezuela's Music Education System, "El Sistema"
We are currently coordinating directly with El Sistema, Venezuela’s renowned music education system, including both their national headquarters and La Guaira State branch. El Sistema’s Caracas headquarters has pivoted after the earthquake to become a critical distribution hub, channeling relief supplies to the hardest-hit areas, including La Guaira. We are working closely with both their headquarters and local branch to ensure aid reaches those who need it most—especially the children, instructors, families and others within the vast El Sistema network.
How You Can Help
Peace Boat is launching an emergency fund to support La Guaira in both immediate relief and future reconstruction efforts. Your donations will provide
- Essential Repairs: Rebuilding music practice facilities for local children.
- Direct Care: Supporting the well-being of the children and instructors affected by the disaster.
- Sustained Aid: Ongoing support tailored to the evolving needs of the community.
We will provide updates on the situation as it develops. Please consider supporting the people of Venezuela during this critical time.
Donation Details
Postal Transfer within Japan:
00180-3-117458 Peace Boat
Current Account: 019 Branch 177458
*Please write "Venezuela Support" in the remarks section.
Credit Card:
Please donate via this link, entering “Venezuela Support” int he comments box.
https://peaceboat.org/english/donation