Missing persons
To locate a missing family member after the earthquake: report by calling 0800-RESCATE (0800-7372282), the official channel of Venezuela's Ministry of Communication. Also use the RFL (Restoring Family Links) system of the Red Cross/ICRC.
We do not maintain our own missing persons database. Fragmenting the effort across multiple private records is dangerous: it can duplicate errors and delay location. We direct you to the official systems set up for this purpose.
How to locate a family member after the earthquake
Call 0800-RESCATE (0800-7372282)
Official missing persons report channel of Venezuela's Ministry of Communication, integrated with VenApp. From abroad: +58 800-7372282.
Open an RFL case with the Red Cross in your country of residence
The ICRC RFL (Restoring Family Links) system is free and operates internationally. You can also access it at familylinks.icrc.org. Red Cross societies in Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras and Argentina already have the service active for Venezuela 2026.
Keep your contact details updated
Notify both channels (0800-RESCATE and Red Cross/ICRC) of any change to your phone number or email. If they locate your family member and cannot reach you, the process is delayed.
Do not post sensitive information on social media unencrypted
Full names, photographs and last known locations shared without control can be exploited by scammers. Share that information only through official channels. Follow updates from @CruzRojaVe on X.
Contact the consulate if applicable
If the person holds another nationality or has consular documentation, also notify the relevant country's consulate or embassy in Venezuela.
Official system: Restoring Family Links (RFL)
The ICRC (International Red Cross) manages the RFL system, which is free and operates internationally. Red Cross National Societies in Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras and Argentina have activated their RFL services for the 2026 Venezuela earthquake. Contact the Red Cross in your country of residence.
Frequently asked questions
- My family member is in La Guaira and is not responding. What do I do?
- Call 0800-RESCATE (0800-7372282) to report the case. Then contact the Red Cross in your country of residence and request the RFL (Restoring Family Links) service. It is free. Red Cross societies in Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras and Argentina have already activated it for Venezuela 2026.
- Is there an official missing persons database?
- Venezuelan authorities channel information through 0800-RESCATE (0800-7372282) and VenApp. The ICRC manages the RFL system internationally at familylinks.icrc.org. We do not publish our own database: fragmenting the effort is dangerous.
- How do I register a missing person?
- Through the ICRC RFL system at familylinks.icrc.org, or directly with the Venezuelan Red Cross. If the person holds another nationality, also contact the relevant country's consulate or embassy in Venezuela.
- How long can the location process take?
- It depends on the state of communications in the area. The first 72 hours are critical for rescue operations. Family location can take days or weeks. The RFL system remains active while cases are open.
- Can I help by sharing missing persons information on social media?
- Share only information from official sources. Spreading unverified names can cause confusion and harm families. If you have information about a survivor, report it to the Red Cross, not on social media.