Venezuela to Build Temporary Housing as Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 4,490

Venezuelan authorities are preparing to build temporary accommodations for families who lost their homes in last month's devastating earthquakes, as the death toll has climbed to at least 4,490.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez announced on Saturday that the government has designated over 40 plots of land in La Guaira state, totaling approximately 584,000 square meters, for new housing construction. This initiative aims to address the urgent need for shelter, as schools, which currently house many displaced individuals, must be vacated for the upcoming academic year in September. Initial government estimates indicate a need for about 25,000 new homes.

However, Rodriguez cautioned that substantial financial resources are essential for reconstruction, rental assistance, and property purchase loans. In response, acting President Delcy Rodriguez has formally requested the Bank of England to release Venezuela's gold reserves, stating the gold belongs to the people and should serve them. She has also appealed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for access to emergency financial resources.

The earthquakes, a magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck the capital, Caracas, and the coastal state of La Guaira on June 24, causing widespread destruction. Over 850 buildings are in ruins or severely damaged, forcing more than 19,000 people into makeshift camps. The United Nations estimates that 50,000 people remain missing.

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This gold belongs to our people and should be used to serve them.