09/07/2026 10:06 - Internacionales
Just two weeks after the devastating double earthquake struck on June 24, 2026, Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguezaggressive and rapid construction of housing for the thousands of victims affected by the tragedy.
According to reports by Infobae, the official updated toll as of July 8, 2026 stands at 3,811 deceased, 16,740 injured, and 17,907 people left homeless. Rescue teams successfully saved 6,462 people from the rubble and provided assistance to over 86,000 families.
Deceased
Injured
Homeless
Rodríguez detailed that a team of soil and subsoil experts is already identifying safe areas to develop new housing and anti-seismic cities. This ambitious project, backed by the United Nations (UN), includes the importation of prefabricated houses to address the housing emergency swiftly.
The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, stated from Playa Grande that the organization is already raising funds to kickstart the initiative. Furthermore, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimated the direct physical damage caused by the catastrophe at USD 6.7 billion.
To finance the reconstruction, Venezuela is holding talks with nations such as the United States and Brazil, as well as with the IMF and the World Bank. An initial fund of USD 200 million has been created, alongside an account at CAF-Development Bank of Latin America.
As reported by Deutsche Welle, Delcy Rodríguez sent a letter to King Charles III of England requesting the release of USD 1.9 billion in gold held at the Bank of England. She also requested the IMF to unblock USD 5.1 billion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to assist the victims.
Nearly 17,000 people remain in 61 established camps, where they are receiving medical attention, food, and specialized psychological support following the tragedy that caused 190 buildings to collapse and damaged 856 in the La Guaira region.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
