Venezuela estimates 21 billion dollars for reconstruction after devastating earthquakes
Venezuela faces an unprecedented challenge following the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that struck the country on June 24th. According to the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), the estimated cost for recovery and reconstruction amounts to 21 billion dollars. This comprehensive figure includes not only the repair of damages but also strategic measures to ensure resilience and mitigate future risks in the affected areas.
The report, recently presented in Caracas, details that the seismic movements caused material losses and damages valued at 14.831 billion dollars, directly affecting seven states of the national territory. The study was led by the Venezuelan Government with the technical and logistical support of high-level international organizations.
An international collaborative effort
The assessment was developed under a joint effort between the Government, the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and the World Bank. Likewise, it had the specialized support of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and CAF-Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) highlighted that this comprehensive analysis covered social, productive, and infrastructure sectors.
The results obtained will serve as a basis for prioritizing interventions and developing a resilient recovery framework based on the technical evidence collected after the tragedy.
UNDP
Housing situation and roadmap
The official presentation of the document was led by Michelle Muschett, UNDP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, who delivered the report to the Executive Vice President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez. During the event, the importance of consolidating a single plan that allows for the transformation of technical findings into an operational, financial, and strategic roadmap was emphasized.
The impact on the housing sector is one of the most critical points of the emergency. According to the official balance updated as of August 24, the following structural damages were recorded:
- 14,239 homes with moderate damage.
- 11,001 homes with severe damage or total loss.
This diagnosis marks the beginning of a crucial phase for the country, where the care of the thousands of affected citizens and the reconstruction of essential infrastructure will be the immediate priorities under the resilience standards established in the report.
