Venezuela estimates 25,000 homes needed for earthquake victims
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Venezuela estimates 25,000 new homes are needed for over 17,900 people displaced by earthquakes on June 24.
- The government plans to deliver the first 200 homes next week and is accelerating efforts to build temporary housing before the school year begins in September.
- President Nicolรกs Maduro's administration is seeking to access frozen foreign assets to fund reconstruction, with the UN supporting the plan through prefabricated housing and fundraising.
Venezuela requires an estimated 25,000 new homes to house over 17,900 individuals who lost their residences in the June 24 earthquakes. Parliament President Jorge Rodrรญguez announced the estimate, emphasizing the need for resources "illegally held" abroad to fund reconstruction efforts.
Venezuela estimates 25,000 the number of homes that will be needed for the more than 17,900 people who lost their homes due to the earthquakes of June 24.
Rodrรญguez stated that the first 200 homes will be delivered "next week," with the number of displaced persons expected to rise as building inspections continue. A biometric census is set to begin in temporary camps in Caracas and surrounding states to precisely determine housing needs. Many schools are currently serving as temporary shelters, prompting the government to expedite the construction of "single-family camps" for those displaced before the school year commences in September or October.
next week
The government is actively searching for suitable locations to construct earthquake-resistant cities and housing complexes, complete with urban amenities, schools, and commercial spaces to foster a sense of community. The United Nations is supporting Venezuela's reconstruction plan, which includes the delivery of prefabricated housing. UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher confirmed that the UN is actively fundraising for the initiative.
surely going to increase
President Nicolรกs Maduro's administration is pursuing financial avenues, including engaging with countries like the U.S. and Brazil, and institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Maduro has also appealed to British King Charles III for the release of gold held at the Bank of England to aid in recovery efforts. The earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude, have resulted in 4,333 fatalities according to government figures.
how many new homes are needed
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.