Chacao, Venezuela Starts Large-Scale Building Repairs After June 24 Quakes

Mayor Gustavo Duque announced cost estimates for structural repairs of buildings flagged with yellow or red signage after the June 24 earthquakes that collapsed three residential and one commercial building in Chacao, Miranda state. Repair costs range from $70,000 to $150,000 for red‑tagged structures and $2,500 to $4,000 for green‑tagged apartments. He said 46 buildings bear a red tag, of which 16 have only non‑structural damage; all have been evaluated and are recoverable. A “sponsorship” financing plan will have banks and large taxpayers cover repairs, with the expense deducted from their municipal taxes over two years. An app lets condominium boards self‑evaluate apartments and assign a traffic‑light status.

Governor Elio Serrano met with Duque and residents of the San José building to launch an immediate restoration plan. The plan includes full waterproofing, controlled demolition of unsafe sections, and deep masonry repair. Authorities will act as intermediaries with national agencies to regularize ownership and legal status for the 30 families living there. Approximately 1,200 buildings in Chacao have been inspected; most are classified green, while red‑tagged buildings require urgent engineering work but are not necessarily uninhabitable. Displaced families are being housed in hotels for up to four months. International funding requests have been submitted to the CAF and the Inter‑American Development Bank.