La Guaira business chamber proposes indemnity law after earthquakes

The Chamber of Merchants, Industrialists, and Customs Agents of La Guaira (Caduainco) has requested that the National Assembly initiate a legislative debate to create a law for the recovery and indemnification of citizens affected by the double earthquake on June 24, 2026.

Rusvel Gutiérrez, president of Caduainco, reported that parishes including Catia La Mar, Urimare, Macuto, and Caraballeda suffered devastation, including the collapse of entire buildings. According to figures from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the reconstruction of La Guaira is estimated to cost approximately $21 billion.

In addition to the indemnity proposal, the group is calling for an updated risk map and a master urban planning plan to ensure safe reconstruction. Efforts are currently underway to collect and classify debris to recover metals and sediments for use in new public works. While the earthquake caused damage to the port, port operations in La Guaira have returned to 100% activity after a month of diverting cargo to Puerto Cabello.