Resilience and transparency: The USB Litoral Humanitarian Aid Plan after two earthquakes

The community of the Universidad Simón Bolívar (USB) Litoral campus in Venezuela's La Guaira state is demonstrating resilience and transparency in its recovery efforts following two devastating earthquakes on June 24, 2026. While the campus infrastructure largely withstood the tremors, students, professors, alumni, and staff residing in the hardest-hit areas faced severe personal losses.

In response, the Association of Alumni of the Universidad Simón Bolívar (AEUSB), in coordination with the Federation of Student Centers and the Association of Professors of the Universidad Simón Bolívar (Apusb), swiftly organized the "Humanitarian Aid Plan for the USB Litoral Community." Within 48 hours of the disaster, the AEUSB established the Venezuelan American Center (CVA) in Caracas as a strategic collection point. Simultaneously, seven "USB Points" were set up in La Guaira state for aid distribution, showcasing significant logistical capability during the 21-day emergency response.

The humanitarian plan has provided comprehensive assistance to approximately 2,000 individuals, including 221 children and 415 elderly residents. The initiative supplied food and hygiene kits to 500 families and offered direct financial subsidies to over 20 families for housing repairs. Additionally, the program included psychological support, medication for chronic illnesses, and innovative 3D-printed splints for trauma care centers.

A critical component of the operation involved bolstering the University's Volunteer Fire Department. The day after the earthquakes, they received a Starlink antenna for communication in the disaster zone, had their ambulance repaired, and were equipped with rescue tools and medical supplies, enabling them to provide immediate life-saving assistance.