MARACAIBO: OIL CITY MOBILIZES FOR EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

El Palito Refinery & PDVSA Operations

The nearby El Palito refinery, a critical fuel asset for western Venezuela, continued operating without reported damage following the quakes. Maracaibo-based PDVSA workers and local fuel distribution networks have prioritized keeping hospitals, emergency generators, and food transport lines operational across affected areas. The refinery's resilience has been vital for preventing fuel shortages during the crisis.

Maracaibo's civil protection teams have concentrated on risk mapping and monitoring of strategic energy assets — refineries, pipelines, port structures, and hospitals — while keeping contingency plans ready for aftershocks.

VAPA — Venezuelan American Petroleum Association

VAPA, a professional association for Venezuelan energy-sector professionals including many based in the Maracaibo basin, has activated a confirmed earthquake donation channel. VAPA members — engineers, geologists, and operational experts from Maracaibo's oil industry — are coordinating with international partners to redirect supplies and technical expertise toward relief and recovery operations.

Many VAPA-affiliated professionals from Maracaibo have volunteered their logistics and supply chain expertise to help coordinate aid distribution.

Logistics & Supply Companies

Maracaibo-based transport and logistics firms have redirected fleets to deliver food, water, medical supplies, and construction materials to hard-hit communities in Yaracuy, Falcón, and La Guaira.

Hospitals & Medical Networks

Maracaibo's Hospital Universitario and private clinics expanded emergency capacity, treating evacuees from affected zones. Local medical associations organized volunteer teams for deployment.

Chamber of Commerce & Industry

The Maracaibo Chamber of Commerce coordinated local businesses to donate supplies, warehouse space, and logistical support for relief convoys heading east toward the disaster zones.

World Central Kitchen — Local Restaurant Partnerships

Chef José Andrés' World Central Kitchen (WCK) deployed to Venezuela and is working alongside 19 local partner restaurants — including several in Maracaibo — to serve fresh meals to displaced families and emergency workers. Maracaibo's vibrant food industry has been instrumental in ensuring that no community goes hungry during this crisis.

Venezuela Earthquake Response Coalition (VERC)

VERC coordinates organizations, businesses, institutions, and volunteers across 10 critical sectors including emergency medical assistance, urban search and rescue, food and water distribution, logistics and transportation, and temporary shelter. Maracaibo-based businesses are encouraged to join the coalition to coordinate relief capabilities.

Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) & Walmart Partnership

GEM, partnering with the U.S. Department of State and Walmart, has committed $35 million and runs the largest logistics operation for relief supplies entering Venezuela. Maracaibo serves as a key distribution hub for these supplies flowing into western and central Venezuela.

Caritas Venezuela & Local Church Networks

Caritas Venezuela, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church, has activated emergency response teams in the Zulia region. Local parishes in Maracaibo have transformed into collection and distribution points for food, water, and hygiene kits serving displaced families.

UNHCR & International Agencies

UNHCR maintains an office in Maracaibo and is coordinating protection efforts for vulnerable populations affected by the disaster, including internally displaced persons.