Ministry rules out total destruction of universities after earthquakes

Venezuela's Ministry of Higher Education has reported that no universities suffered total destruction following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country on June 24. Minister Ana María Sanjuán clarified that the seismic activity primarily impacted the central-northern coastal areas, with significant effects noted in the Capital District, La Guaira state, and the University of Carabobo.

Sanjuán acknowledged that some higher education institutions faced pre-existing historical infrastructure problems. However, she emphasized that the recent tremors did not lead to the complete loss of any campus. Official inspections have identified approximately 24 university centers classified under "red alert," a designation indicating the urgent need for structural repairs in specific areas rather than total irreparable damage.

The ministry detailed that damages are concentrated in classrooms, hallways, and other localized sections of the campuses, without affecting the overall long-term usability of the institutions. In response, the government plans an immediate deployment of public works for the restoration and refurbishment of the affected spaces. The primary goal is to expedite engineering work to ensure facilities are safe and operational for students.

The ministry aims for students to return to in-person academic activities without delay, with the official schedule for the resumption of classes set for September and October 2026. The restoration plan is designed to accelerate engineering tasks and guarantee that all facilities meet essential safety conditions for the student community.

“

None were totally destroyed, only situations of infrastructure in red, which does not necessarily mean they are lost, but that they require acute repair processes.