Published on: 2026-08-05
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
August 4, 2026 Climate and Environment
A month after the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, the country’s leadership is focusing primarily on assessing the extent of the damage, safely clearing millions of tons of debris, and preparing for the reconstruction of the affected areas.
The earthquakes that occurred on June 24 affected densely populated and economically significant regions of the country, such as Caracas, as well as La Guaira, Miranda, Aragua, Carabobo, and Yaracuy. According to national authorities, more than 5,300 people have died and nearly 18,000 have been injured. Thousands of families still cannot return to their homes.
From the first days after the earthquakes, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been supporting Venezuelan government institutions, helping to transition from emergency response to early recovery. This work includes rapid damage assessment, technical assistance, debris clearance organization, as well as mobilization of international partners.
Damage assessment using artificial intelligence
UNDP was able to prepare a preliminary assessment of the earthquake’s consequences within the first day, although such an analysis usually takes several weeks.
“Within 24 hours, we assessed the economic damage caused by the earthquakes. The approximate volume of debris generated was also determined in less than 48 hours,” said Massimiliano Tocci, a specialist from the UNDP Crisis Bureau.
Such an expedited assessment was made possible thanks to the RAPIDA system developed by UNDP, which combines seismic modeling, satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, geospatial data, and drone surveys. Satellite images allow for near real-time identification of the most affected areas, while drones help verify and refine the obtained data. Together, these tools enable the evaluation of the crisis aftermath in less than 72 hours, determine priority areas for aid, and begin recovery planning.
According to preliminary data, the direct physical damage from the earthquake amounted to about 6.7 billion dollars, which corresponds to approximately six percent of Venezuela’s gross domestic product.
© UNDP The direct physical damage from the earthquake amounted to about 6.7 billion dollars.
Clearing debris and restoring services
One of the most large-scale tasks remains clearing the debris. According to the latest estimates, the earthquakes have resulted in nearly 2.1 million tons of rubble – approximately the weight of 288 Eiffel Towers.
However, clearing the area is not just about removing construction debris. It is necessary to clear the roads so that ambulances can reach patients, hospitals can resume operations, schools can welcome students, and families can return to their neighborhoods.
UNDP, together with the government of Venezuela, is developing a comprehensive approach to waste management. It includes sorting, recycling, and reusing materials, as well as compliance with environmental requirements and measures to reduce the risk of future disasters.
Recovery also includes providing people with temporary and permanent housing, repairing water supply and sanitation systems, power grids, telecommunications, and gas supply.
At the same time, reconstruction can contribute to the revitalization of the local economy by creating jobs in debris clearing, waste recycling, and construction. For example, in the state of La Guaira, it is planned to support the construction and metalworking industries, and in the longer term – to promote the recovery of tourism, port, and aviation activities.
People are at the center of recovery
UNDP emphasizes that recovery is not limited to the reconstruction of buildings and infrastructure. It must take into account the needs of families who have lost their homes, sources of income, and sense of security.
“Women, children, elderly people, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups need support that takes into account their specific needs at all stages of recovery – from housing and public space design to ensuring access to essential services and social protection,” noted UNDP specialist on gender equality and social integration Rebeca Madris.
© UNDP One of the largest tasks remains the clearing of debris.
International Support
International support is necessary to turn these urgent tasks into concrete actions. South Korea has allocated 3 million dollars for debris clearance and disposal, restoration of essential services, assistance to households, and strengthening the capacity of government institutions and local communities.
More than 47 thousand people are expected to receive direct assistance under this initiative, while nearly 177 thousand will receive indirect support. The aid should help the affected areas restore essential services more quickly and create safer conditions for people to return.
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has also approved the allocation of $1.77 million in emergency funding. These funds will ensure the continuity of HIV and tuberculosis treatment, strengthen diagnostic capabilities, and provide mental health and social protection services to the population.
The funding is expected to help maintain access to necessary treatment for more than 31,000 people living with HIV and nearly 2,400 tuberculosis patients.
In addition, UNDP, together with the famous Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, launched an international fundraising campaign.
“Today, the true history of Venezuela is a story of restoring hope, opportunities, and dignity. We must unite and help people rebuild their lives and their future,” stated Dudamel.
As noted by UNDP, recovery begins not after the emergency ends, but from the first days of the crisis – with decisions and actions that allow people to regain safety and build their future.
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