Venezuelan authorities have announced plans to establish temporary housing for thousands of families displaced by the devastating earthquakes that struck the country’s north last month. As of Saturday, the official death toll from the disaster has risen to at least 4,490. The announcement was made by Venezuelan National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, who is the brother of acting President Delcy Rodriguez.
While the government has not specified the number of people still unaccounted for, the United Nations estimates that 50,000 individuals remain missing. Addressing concerns from families regarding the search for victims, Jorge Rodriguez dismissed suggestions that the government would cease search operations, aiming to reassure the public that rubble would not be cleared indiscriminately.
The twin earthquakes, measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude, hit the capital of Caracas and the coastal state of La Guaira on June 24, leveling entire high-rise apartment blocks. Currently, more than 850 buildings are either destroyed or severely damaged, forcing over 19,000 people to reside in makeshift shelters located in schools, sports stadiums, public squares, and sidewalks. Officials noted that schools must be vacated before the academic year begins in September, and current estimates suggest approximately 25,000 homes will be required to accommodate the displaced population.
To facilitate the rebuilding process, Jorge Rodriguez stated that the government has designated over 40 plots of land in La Guaira, totaling approximately 584,000 square meters, for the construction of new housing. However, he warned that significant resources are necessary for reconstruction, rental assistance, and property purchase loans. In response to these financial demands, interim President Delcy Rodriguez has officially requested that the Bank of England release Venezuela’s gold reserves, stating that the assets belong to the people and should be utilized for their benefit. Additionally, the government has reached out to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to request the release of financial resources held for emergency purposes.
Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez
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