UNDP estimates 1.2 million tons of earthquake debris in Venezuela's La Guaira state

A preliminary assessment by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that the devastating earthquakes on June 24 generated approximately 1.2 million tons of debris in the most affected areas of Venezuela's coastal state of La Guaira. This finding is a critical first step in planning the recovery process.

The technical report emphasizes that the timely and large-scale removal of this debris is essential for restoring road access, reviving local economies, and enabling affected families to begin their recovery. To calculate this volume, the UNDP utilized RAPIDA, an advanced rapid assessment tool that processes data automatically. The platform integrates high-resolution satellite imagery, AI-based structural damage assessments, data on original building density and height, and civil engineering expertise.

The debris breakdown reveals the extensive impact of the seismic waves, which destroyed not only public and residential infrastructure but also the personal belongings of citizens. Of the total 1.2 million tons, an estimated 915,000 tons are from damaged or collapsed buildings, while an additional 332,000 tons consist of destroyed household items, street furniture, and personal possessions. Geospatial mapping indicates that the largest accumulations of debris are concentrated in the Catia La Mar, Caraballeda, and Urimare parishes, which have been designated as priority areas for attention.

"Early recovery consists of restoring human dignity. Every ton of debris represents altered lives and communities facing enormous challenges. Rehabilitating infrastructure is essential to improve living conditions, strengthen social cohesion, and reactivate local economies," stated Luis Francisco Thais, UNDP Resident Representative in Venezuela. He stressed that debris removal goes beyond superficial cleaning, aiming to "transform satellite data into useful information for decision-making" to safely reopen schools, hospitals, and essential commercial centers.