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🇻🇪 Venezuela /Disasters & Emergencies

UNICEF: 432 schools damaged in Caracas after double earthquake in Venezuela

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • At least 38 hospitals and 432 schools in Caracas sustained damage following a double earthquake in Venezuela on June 24.
  • UNICEF reported that 3,535 people have died and 16,740 have been injured nationwide.
  • While schools have reopened in 18 unaffected states, UNICEF stressed the need to rehabilitate damaged facilities before the September school year begins.

Caracas has reported significant damage to its infrastructure following a powerful double earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24. UNICEF estimates that at least 38 hospitals and 432 schools in the capital city suffered damage from the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors.

Nationwide, the earthquakes have resulted in a tragic death toll of 3,535 people, with an additional 16,740 individuals injured. Despite the devastation, school classes have resumed in 18 of Venezuela's 24 states that were not directly impacted by the seismic events.

However, UNICEF highlighted the urgent need for repairs and rehabilitation of schools that are currently being used as temporary shelters. The organization emphasized that these facilities must be ready for the new school year commencing in September. "Children in Venezuela need to overcome the immediate impact of the earthquakes, but at the same time must regain access to essential services as soon as possible," stated UNICEF Spain's Executive Director, José María Vera.

Vera also alerted to broader issues beyond damaged buildings, noting that hospitals are not functioning normally, schools have been disrupted, families have been displaced, and children have been separated from their caregivers. The full extent of the crisis continues to unfold.

Children in Venezuela need to overcome the immediate impact of the earthquakes, but at the same time must regain access to essential services as soon as possible

— José María VeraUNICEF Spain's Executive Director, emphasizing the need for swift recovery and access to essential services for Venezuelan children.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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