According to a preliminary assessment by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the recent earthquakes that hit Venezuela have caused direct damages totaling $6.7 billion. This evaluation, based on the agency's Rapid Digital Analysis (RAPIDA) and shared by EFE, considers the extensive impact of the seismic events that occurred last Wednesday.
The earthquakes, registering magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, struck on June 24 just 39 seconds apart, marking them as the most powerful to hit the nation since the year 1900.
Economic Impact and Assessment Details
The UNDP's estimation, which ranges between $4.7 billion and $8.7 billion, was derived using seismic models, satellite imagery, and population data processed shortly after the quakes. This figure represents roughly 6% of Venezuela's GDP and accounts only for direct physical damages to homes, vehicles, buildings, and businesses, excluding broader economic disruptions or long-term reconstruction costs.
The organization notes that the total impact could be 1.5 to three times the value of direct damages, potentially raising the real cost to between $10.05 billion and $20.1 billion.
Human and Structural Toll
In the affected regions, including the capital city Caracas and the states of La Guaira, Carabobo, Miranda, Yaracuy, and Aragua, approximately 1.7 million structures were impacted. Additionally, there have been reports of possible power outages in Carabobo, La Guaira, Caracas, and Aragua.
Venezuelan Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez reported that the earthquakes have claimed 1,430 lives, injured 3,238 individuals, and displaced 3,142 families.
International Aid and Response
The United Nations reported over 50,000 people missing and an overall 6.76 million affected by the disaster. Three field hospitals have been set up in La Guaira to provide immediate care to the injured, avoiding the need for transport to Caracas. Gianluca Rampolla, UN's Resident Coordinator in Venezuela, described the situation as severe, highlighting the urgent need to access numerous buildings to rescue potentially trapped individuals.
Furthermore, 20 tons of humanitarian aid have been delivered, including water purification supplies, with support from over 16 countries deploying more than 1,600 rescue workers and 100 search dogs.
Prior to this disaster, Venezuela was already facing a significant humanitarian crisis, with eight million people requiring assistance, exacerbating the aftermath's severity.
The UNDP has warned that as more field data becomes available, their impact estimates will continue to evolve.
Understanding the Impact of the Venezuelan Earthquakes
How much damage did the Venezuelan earthquakes cause?
The UNDP estimates the direct damage from the earthquakes at $6.7 billion, with a potential total impact of $10.05 to $20.1 billion when considering broader economic effects.
What areas were most affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela?
The earthquakes significantly impacted Caracas, La Guaira, Carabobo, Miranda, Yaracuy, and Aragua, with La Guaira experiencing extensive devastation.
What humanitarian aid has been provided to Venezuela after the earthquakes?
Humanitarian aid includes 20 tons of supplies for water purification and the deployment of over 1,600 rescue workers and 100 search dogs from more than 16 countries.