Housing reconstruction efforts launch for earthquake victims in Venezuela and Colombia

Humanitarian and private sector efforts are underway to provide housing for victims of recent major earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia.

In Venezuela, the Chilean NGO Techo has completed the construction of the first 17 homes for those affected by the dual 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that occurred on June 24. These homes, measuring 18 square meters and built from pressed wood or fiber cement, are located in El Junquito, Caracas, and Guaracarumbo, La Guaira. The organization aims to build at least 200 homes to assist the approximately 17,900 people left homeless by the disaster.

In Colombia, Grupo Argos has announced a public-private partnership to build 1,000 rapid-delivery homes in regions impacted by the August 10 earthquake. Approximately 50% of these units will be constructed in the Chocó department. The company has designed the ‘Casa Pacífico’ model, a rural housing prototype of up to 66 square meters featuring elevated structures to mitigate humidity and natural ventilation systems. The first 10 homes are expected to be delivered by the end of September.