Debris Removal and Reconstruction in Venezuela After Earthquakes: A Long Road Ahead

Venezuela is embarking on a challenging and protracted process to clear the debris left by the powerful earthquakes that struck two months ago. Experts and the government estimate that removing the rubble could take as long as a year to complete, while the crucial task of reconstruction remains largely a pending project. Thousands of people continue to live in temporary shelters or improvised accommodations.

The government of Delcy Rodríguez has established 14 Temporary Distribution Centers (CDTs) in La Guaira state, the region most severely affected by the magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes on June 24. These centers are designated for processing and recycling the debris from collapsed buildings in the area near Caracas.

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This is a process that, like this, can last approximately 260 days, let's say a year.

Gustavo García Carrasquero, president of the Venezuelan Chamber of Construction (CVC), explained that the debris removal is managed by the ministries of Public Works and Ecosocialism (Environment), with advisory support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and contributions from various companies. He indicated that the process, including demolitions, could take approximately 260 days, or about a year.

The collected debris is transported to the CDTs for evaluation and crushing before being moved to a final site. García Carrasquero noted that the processed materials can be used to create products like paving stones, pottery, and bricks. Minister of Ecosocialism, Nelson Rodríguez, stated the goal is to prevent these residues from becoming environmental liabilities. The Venezuelan state has already removed 2.1 million tons of debris, primarily in La Guaira.

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The objective is that these residues do not remain as environmental liabilities.