UN ramps up support for earthquake victims in Venezuela as damage hits $37 billion

The United Nations and its partners are boosting relief efforts after the deadly earthquakes in Venezuela. They are also helping the government manage the humanitarian crisis.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric shared this update at a press conference in New York on Monday.

"We and our partners are continuing to scale up assistance to impacted people by the earthquakes, in coordination with the government," Mr Dujarric said.

On June 24, two earthquakes struck north-central Venezuela. They measured 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude and hit just 39 seconds apart, causing extensive damage.

A preliminary report from the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction estimated that the direct physical damage to homes and infrastructure is about $37 billion.

This estimate includes around $24 billion in damage to homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and other public buildings. Another $13 billion accounts for damage to infrastructure.

Telecommunications suffered losses of about $5 billion, with energy facilities and road networks also heavily impacted.

The assessment is based on risk modelling and does not include wider economic losses, emergency costs, and future reconstruction expenses.

UN officials warned that the overall economic impact could rise significantly as more assessments are done.

The UN Children’s Fund estimates that around 650,000 people need urgent humanitarian help. This includes 234,000 children who are among the most affected.

About one-third of the schools in the Capital District, including Caracas, were damaged. This has disrupted education for thousands of students.

UNICEF has sent emergency teams to help and delivered 68 tonnes of relief supplies. These supplies include medical materials, water, sanitation equipment, and essential household items.

The agency has asked for $52 million to improve healthcare, nutrition, safe water, child protection, and education for families in need.

Meanwhile, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that search-and-rescue operations are ongoing in the hardest-hit areas.

Medical teams, engineers, and other specialists are arriving. A humanitarian needs assessment is almost complete.

This assessment will help create an updated response plan and identify more funding needed for relief efforts.

According to government figures, more than 3,340 people have died, over 16,740 were injured, and around 17,000 residents are still homeless.

"The authorities in Caracas are leading the response, focusing on supporting displaced people and addressing urgent humanitarian needs," Mr Dujarric said.

At least 79 temporary camps have been set up in stadiums and sports centers to house displaced residents and distribute humanitarian aid.

UN agencies are currently working in three of these camps while looking at more locations that need help.

Health partners are offering primary healthcare, mental health support, psychosocial care, and sexual and reproductive health services where needed.

Humanitarian officials said that access to safe water and sanitation is improving. They are distributing hygiene kits and expanding sanitation facilities in the temporary shelters.

The Humanitarian Response Plan for Venezuela has received $274 million, plus over $32 million from private-sector donors and other in-kind contributions.