The United Nations has launched an urgent appeal for 296 millions of dollars in humanitarian aid following a double earthquake in Venezuela that has claimed 3,811 lives. As the country faces a mounting reconstruction crisis, the Venezuelan government is simultaneously petitioning international powers to unfreeze sovereign assets, including 30 tons of gold held by the Bank of England, to fund recovery efforts.
What is the current scale of the humanitarian crisis?
The double earthquake, which occurred on June 24, is the most powerful seismic event recorded in Venezuela since 1900. According to the latest official figures provided by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, the death toll stands at 3,811, with 16,740 people injured. While the government has not released a formal count of the missing, United Nations estimates suggest the number could reach 50,000, with some projections citing 10,000.
The economic impact is equally severe. The UN estimates total losses at 6.7 billions of dollars, representing 6% of the nation’s GDP. Tom Fletcher, the UN’s humanitarian chief, stated that the requested 296 millions of dollars is necessary to support 1.3 million people over the next six months. This funding request is distinct from the 632 millions of dollars humanitarian plan announced earlier this year, which has only received 300 millions of dollars in total contributions to date.
The UN’s new funding request targets 1.3 million people who have immediate socioeconomic needs, on top of the nearly 8 million Venezuelans who already required humanitarian assistance before the earthquake struck.
How is the Venezuelan government seeking to fund reconstruction?
Caracas is pursuing a two-pronged strategy to secure capital. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil has called on all nations currently holding frozen Venezuelan assets to release them, labeling the existing sanctions as “illegal.” Interim President Delcy Rodríguez has specifically requested that King Charles III authorize the release of 30 tons of Venezuelan gold currently held in the Bank of England’s reserves.
“I have decided to send a letter to the King of England so that they release the gold that is retained at the Bank of England. This gold belongs to our people,” Rodríguez stated in a television address. The government views these frozen assets as essential for financing the reconstruction of buildings destroyed or rendered uninhabitable in the northern part of the country.
How have international sanctions shifted in response?
The United States government announced on June 26 a four-month suspension of economic sanctions specifically targeting Venezuela to facilitate disaster relief operations. This move marks a shift from the heavy sanctions regime imposed in 2019, which aimed to challenge the legitimacy of President Nicolás Maduro.
The geopolitical landscape has evolved significantly in recent months. Following the capture of M. Maduro in early January by Donald Trump, relations between Washington and Caracas have seen a warming trend. The current U.S. executive branch has moved to support the interim administration of Delcy Rodríguez, gradually lifting sanctions to encourage the development of Venezuela’s significant oil resources.
For families in the Guaira state, the epicenter of the quakes, the primary concern is the potential for permanent displacement. Local authorities are using a “red tag” system to mark homes that are structurally unsound, signaling danger and evacuation.
FAQ: Recovery and Reconstruction Efforts
- How many people are currently homeless? According to Jorge Rodriguez, nearly 18,000 people have been left without housing following the disaster.
- Why is the government asking for gold? The administration argues that the 30 tons of gold held by the Bank of England is property of the Venezuelan people and is required to cover the estimated billions of dollars in damages.
- Are international sanctions still in place? The U.S. suspended specific sanctions for four months starting June 26 to assist with aid, though broader economic restrictions related to the political situation remain a point of international debate.
- What is the status of the reconstruction? The process remains in the early stages, with many families living in tents while waiting for government-led repairs to damaged infrastructure.
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